When a someone files for Social Security Disability payments, he or she must establish that they have a serious impairment that prevents them from engaging in substantial gainful labor. If an applicant for Social Security Disability payments does not have a serious impairment, the SSA will deny the application.
There are several ways for an individual to establish that he or she is disabled in order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. To qualify, an individual must present adequate objective medical proof demonstrating that he or she has one or more impairments that prevent them from working. Even if the impairments suffered by an individual do not qualify the individual for Social Security Disability benefits on their own, the individual may qualify for benefits if their combined condition is considered to be a severe disability.
According to the Social Security Administration, a severe impairment is one or more impairments that considerably impede an individual’s physical or mental capacities and, as a result, affect the individual’s ability to perform basic labor duties. If an impairment or a combination of impairments significantly impairs an individual’s capacity to work, the SSA will conclude that the individual does not have a severe impairment and will deny the individual’s application for Social Security Disability payments.
In many circumstances, if you are filing for Social Security Disability benefits, it is worthwhile to consult with a Social Security Disability attorney to maximize your chances of approval. This attorney will understand what proof the SSA requires to decide that a serious disability exists, which might boost your chances of receiving benefits during the initial stage of the application process.