Social Security must consider all of a claimant's impairments and their affect on the ability to perform work related activities. This includes mental impairments.
According to SSR 85-15, all work requires certain mental demands, such as (on a sustained basis): the ability to understand, remember and carry out simple instructions; to respond appropriately to co-workers, supervisors and usual work situations; and to deal with changes in a routine work setting. A substantial loss of ability to meet any iof these basic work-related activities would severely limit the potential occupational base [and]...would justify a finding of disability.
Mental impairments or their symptoms and effects are not governed by the Medical-Vocational guidelines or "grid rules." For example, if an individual is young, has a college education and several years of skilled work experience, (s)he will not ordinarily be found disabled due to physical impairments under a grid rule. However, if it can be proven that this individual would be limited in performing one or more of the mental demands of work (described above), a finding of disability would be appropriate.
How does one prove such mental limitations? The answer is, with good medical evidence. At minimum, psychological impairments should be diagnosed and treated by a medical doctor, such as a family practice or primary care physician. Ideally, such impairments should be diagnosed and treated by either a psychiatrist (MD) or a clinical psychologist (Phy.D. or Ph.D.).
According to SSR 85-15, all work requires certain mental demands, such as (on a sustained basis): the ability to understand, remember and carry out simple instructions; to respond appropriately to co-workers, supervisors and usual work situations; and to deal with changes in a routine work setting. A substantial loss of ability to meet any iof these basic work-related activities would severely limit the potential occupational base [and]...would justify a finding of disability.
Mental impairments or their symptoms and effects are not governed by the Medical-Vocational guidelines or "grid rules." For example, if an individual is young, has a college education and several years of skilled work experience, (s)he will not ordinarily be found disabled due to physical impairments under a grid rule. However, if it can be proven that this individual would be limited in performing one or more of the mental demands of work (described above), a finding of disability would be appropriate.
How does one prove such mental limitations? The answer is, with good medical evidence. At minimum, psychological impairments should be diagnosed and treated by a medical doctor, such as a family practice or primary care physician. Ideally, such impairments should be diagnosed and treated by either a psychiatrist (MD) or a clinical psychologist (Phy.D. or Ph.D.).
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