How does Social Security decide if I am disabled?
Social Security Disability law in California can be complex. The Social Security Administration (SSA) must examine a person’s medical condition before determining eligibility for disability benefits. Before approving an applicant for disability, the SSA evaluates a person’s age, work experience, medical history, and current levels of functioning. The SSA will look at medical evidence such as a doctor’s reports, laboratory tests, and imaging results to determine if a physical or mental impairment does exist that prevents the person from performing any type of gainful employment. To be approved for disability, an applicant must have a medically determinable impairment that is expected to last at least 12 months or expected to result in death, and must be unable to work. The SSA also considers the applicant’s ability to do sedentary work, meaning their ability to do light work with no more than occasional lifting or carrying of 10 pounds, as well as their ability to stand and walk, and remember instructions. If the SSA decides that an applicant is unable to work due to their medical condition, then they may qualify for disability benefits. The SSA will then evaluate the severity of the person’s condition to ensure that they are eligible for the disability benefits they need.
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