Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) provides benefits for people who suffer from a serious physical or mental impairment that prevents them from continuing in their previous occupation or adjusting to a different type of work. If you can still work despite your limitations, you don’t meet the Social Security Administration (SSA) definition of disability.
Determining Whether You Can Perform Other Types of Work
There are two main factors the SSA will use when evaluating your ability to perform other types of work:
Education
Did you graduate from high school? Do you have a college degree? Do you have advanced certifications or continuing education? The more educated you are, the more likely it is that the SSA will rule you can perform other types of work.
Past Work Experience
What types of jobs have you performed in the past? What skills did you learn that can be transferred to a different position? Would you be able to perform a lighter duty occupation in the same field? If your past work experience only includes physical labor and you have no advanced education that would allow you to adjust to a sedentary office role that would accommodate your disability, you have a strong chance of being approved for benefits.
To a lesser extent, your age also plays a role. The SSA realizes that it becomes more difficult to train for new work as you become older. If you are age 55 or older and do not have post-secondary education, there is a stronger likelihood that you will be approved for disability benefits.
Vocational analysts and experts may be called in before the administrative judge or disability examiner determining your case to clarify how your disability affects your employment prospects. This type of testimony often proves vital in cases involving limitations that are harder to define, such as when a person suffers from chronic fatigue or has a cognitive impairment that makes it hard to stay on task, follow directions, and socialize in an acceptable way.
Have You Or A Loved One Been Denied Social Security Disability Benefits?
If you or a loved on has been denied Social Security Disability Benefits you need to speak with an experienced SSD attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Virginia Beach office directly at 757.490.3500 to schedule your free consultation. We have offices throughout Virginia including Chesapeake, Newport News, Norfolk and Suffolk.
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