Having a severe impairment does not mean that you will automatically receive disability benefits. It simply means that the disability evaluation process will move to step three.
Step 2: Severe Impairment
Disability Law Is All We Do
Tulsa Disability Lawyers Explain Social Security Eligibility For SSI And SSDI
Step 2: Determining Social Security Disability Severe Impairment
You can move to step two after step one of determining your Social Security eligibility. Moving to step 2 assumes the Social Security Administration (SSA) found your current employment not to be Substantial Gainful Activity. Then, step two involves the SSA deciding if you have what it considers a “severe” impairment. It is a very low standard. However, it must be backed by the proper documentation and medical evidence.
How Does the SSA Define Severe Impairment?
The SSA will consider an impairment severe if it interferes with, or has a serious impact on, your ability to do basic work activities. The SSA finds most people who apply for disability benefits have a severe impairment.
Very few cases are denied at step two. This is because of the low standard required to show a “severe” impairment. However, 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 alleged impairments.
All complaints of pain and mental problems need support from your doctors’ reports. Without evidence, the SSA simply will not believe your allegations as to your severe problems.
How to Qualify Disabilities under SSI and SSDI
If you are applying for Social Security benefits with multiple medical conditions, then only one impairment needs to qualify as being severe. The impairments that are not severe are still important to your disability claim. The Administration must take into account your entire medical history, including the possible restrictions that all severe and non-severe limitations may cause.
Tulsa Severe Impairment Disability Lawyers Can Help You Determine Social Security Eligibility
We are confident in our ability to help and provide guidance because disability law is all we do.
If you need clarification regarding severe impairments or other aspects of Oklahoma disability law, then contact a Tulsa disability lawyer at our firm for assistance.
Why Choose Troutman & Troutman?
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Committed to Keeping You Informed
We understand that this can be a stressful and confusing time which, is why we pride ourselves on doing everything we can to keep you informed and knowledgeable about your case. Not only do we have an array of video and FAQs, but we also allow you direct access to your dedicated attorney.
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Dedicated & Trusted Counsel
Our attorneys are passionate about disability law. Everyone who works at our firm is here because they believe in helping people. We commit to representing clients through every part of the Social Security Disability claims process.
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Over 25 Years of Dedicated Experience
Since 1993, our attorneys have been helping people throughout Oklahoma get the Social Security benefits they deserve. Regardless of where you are in your case, our knowledgeable and experienced attorneys are here to help you obtain what you deserve.
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Disability Law Is All We Do
Social Security Disability is a unique area of the law because it is about representing clients going through very difficult times. We help by getting people the benefits they have earned and deserve. Our firm is proud of the fact that disability law is all we do.