The Social Security Administration (SSA) first tries to establish eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits under a listed impairment (potentially disabling medical condition) in the SSA’s listing of impairments or blue book. If an applicant for benefits has a medical condition doesn’t meet the blue book’s requirements as listed, Social Security must not cease any determination of eligibility as it is next required to determine whether an applicant’s medical condition qualifies for disability benefits under a “medical-vocational allowance.” In this case, the determination is whether an applicant’s medical condition may cause severe enough impairment to prevent him or her from maintaining gainful employment.
The SSA reviews medical documentation to determine how a disability impairs the ability to perform everyday activities and function on the job. If it is determined that an applicant is unable to maintain gainful employment as a result of a medical condition, the SSA may find eligibility for disability benefits under a medical-vocational allowance.
The SSA evaluates an applicant’s ability to perform any job based on current impairments, age, education, and work experience. It also determines an applicant’s physical, mental, and sensory limitations through a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) rating.
Social Security establishes a physical RFC based on an applicant’s physical and sensory limitations related to the ability to walk, sit, stand, and the capacity to lift, carry, push or pull. Many applicants with MS may have an RFC that indicates involuntary movements, difficulty with walking and equilibrium (balance), as well as weakness and numbness in the limbs. Diminished sensory functions related to hearing, vision, and speech should also be included in the RFC rating.
Since many Individuals with MS may experience memory loss and difficulties with concentration, the mental portion of the RFC should reflect any limitations related to the ability to understand, remember, and carry out instructions. Any of these mental impairments may be sufficiently severe to prevent any return to employment. The SSA won’t require an applicant with MS to learn a new job or skill but will compare RFCs to any jobs available to someone with the applicant’s education and experience.
An experienced disability attorney may ensure that any applicant fully takes advantage of the rules intended to help individuals obtain eligibility for disability benefits. Do you have a potential disability claim? To improve your chances of meeting all of the requirements for the allowance of a claim (and avoiding the denial of benefits), retain the services of a qualified Kentucky Social Security Disability attorney. Contact Sullivan Law Office today. We offer free consultations, so you have absolutely nothing to lose! We look forward to hearing from you. Call 888-587-0228 or visit us online.
