Step Number Two in the Disability Evaluation Process
If you are not engaging in “substantial gainful activity” and won’t be able to for at least 12 months, the next question in the SSA’s five-step disability evaluation process is “Do you have a severe impairment?”
Sound straightforward enough, but is it? In a word, “No.”
At Smith & Godios Inc., we understand the SSA’s process for determining who’s disabled and who isn’t. We also know what it takes to succeed with a claim for disability benefits.
Proving You Have a Severe Impairment
A “severe” medical impairment is defined by the Social Security Administration as a medically determinable physical or mental condition that significantly impacts or will impact a person’s mental or physical ability to perform basic work activities for at least 12 months. Social Security, however, not only looks for a medically determinable impairment, they look to see if you are treating for that impairment.
As you might have guessed, the phrases “significantly limits” and “basic work activities” can give the SSA quite a bit of wiggle room to deny claims, especially for conditions that might not be considered long-term. And without ongoing treatment, denying claims is what SSA does. In practice, however, few disability claims are denied at Step 2 as almost all disability claimants can easily show that their health would effect them in the work-place. Most cases end up being decided at Steps 3, 4, or 5.
Having helped thousands of people through this process, our attorneys know what kind of objective medical evidence the SSA is looking for and will help you to build a case that satisfies the government’s definition of “severe” impairment.
Moving on to step number three: Does your impairment meet or equal one of the government’s disability listings?
The law offices of Smith & Godios Inc. are located in Akron and Cleveland, and our Social Security disability lawyers help people throughout the state of Ohio. If we can’t help you by recovering benefits, you don’t have to pay an attorney fee. There is absolutely no risk and nothing to lose. To schedule a free consultation, call 877-230-5500 or contact us online.