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Second Step in Determining SSI Eligibility
Do you have a "severe" impairment?
At step two of the sequential evaluation, the Social Security Administration
must determine if you have a "severe" impairment. An impairment
is considered severe if it could interfere with or have a serious
impact on your ability to do basic work activities. This is a very
low standard, and most people who apply for disability benefits
are found to have a severe impairment. However, a finding that you
have a severe impairment does not mean that you will be found to
be disabled. It simply means that the sequential evaluation will
proceed to step three.
Although very few cases are denied at step two, because of the
low standard required to show a "severe" impairment, cases
are sometimes denied at this step. These are generally cases where
the claimant alleges severe pain or mental problems, but the claimant
has not received any treatment for the problems and there is no
objective evidence to support the claimant's alleged problems. You
must understand that your doctors' reports must support your complaints
of pain and mental problems, or the Social Security Administration
simply will not believe your allegations as to severe problems.
If you need clarification regarding severe impairments
or other aspects of Tulsa Oklahoma SSI, a Tulsa social security disability lawyer at our law firm is here to assist you.
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