How is it determined that I am disabled?

You might feel like you’re disabled but until the United States Social Security Administration approves your application for disability benefits, you will not receive any government assistance. This article will discuss the process the SSA goes through in determining your disability status.

The SSA first takes a close look at your application to make sure you qualify for disability benefits under the most basic requirements. Then, they’ll look to see whether you have completed a sufficient number of years working. Then, they’ll review your work activities.

Provided you meet the SSA’s requirements regarding the above, they will next forward your application to the Disability Determination Services department in your state. This agency is in charge of making the initial determination of disability. The specialists and doctors at Disability Determination Services will request specific information from your doctors regarding your medical condition, and then consider the information provided.

Generally, this is the kind of information they will want to see from your doctors and medical providers:

— Information concerning your medical condition

— Date the medical condition started

— Medical limitations of your condition

— Test results of your medical condition

— Treatments received for the condition

— Limitations surrounding work activities caused by the medical condition, like sitting, walking, lifting, remembering and carrying.

Sometimes Disability Determination Services will require specific information from specific tests or specialists that they name. If this is required, the applicant may be able to receive reimbursement for the costs of those evaluations.

There is never a guarantee that a Social Security applicant will be approved for benefits; however, just because one is denied benefits does not mean that it is impossible to overcome the issue. With the assistance of Huntsville, Alabama, Social Security disability lawyer, you can try to resolve discrepancies in a rejected SSD application and seek the most benefits you may be qualified to receive.

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, “Social Security Disability,” accessed Aug. 10, 2016