As we discussed on Wednesday, case evaluators from the Social Security Administration (SSA) use a set of criteria to evaluate each person’s application for disability benefits. To aid in this, the SSA compiles a set of impairments, or injuries and conditions, for evaluators to reference, which are compiled into a volume known as the “Blue Book.”
This set of impairments is available to the public through the SSA’s website, and it can be helpful to consider whether your injury or condition meets the requirements outlined in the book. This can give you a better idea of your chances of gaining benefits, as well as what the SSA considers to be a disabling impairment. Finding your disability in the Blue Book, even if you meet all the requirements, is not a guarantee of approval. You still must submit a detailed, convincing application.
The SSA adds new illnesses and injuries to the Blue Book often, and there is no way every unique situation could be listed. Just because your condition or injury is not listed in the Blue Book does not mean that you will not qualify for disability benefits. When someone’s claim is not listed in the Blue Book, the applicant must successfully prove to the SSA that the condition and its effects prevent the applicant from working. In these cases, it is especially important that the information in the application is as clearly and convincingly stated as possible.
If your disability prevents you from working, a Tulsa Social Security disability attorney can help you compile an application that will give you the best chance at securing disability benefits. Contact us today for more information and a free evaluation of your case. You can reach us by phone at (918) 265-1404.
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