I often get this question: "I don't have just one major illness that makes me disabled; I have lots of little things that make me unable to work. Can I get disability benefits?"
I'm to answer this the best I can. The short answer is, Yes you may be able to.
Social Security is required to look at all of your impairments that would cause a significant problem in performing work-related activities. In fact, most claimants have more than one illness or impairment going on. Decision makers will look at all the factors that impact your inability to work, whether physical or mental.
Often, claimants will have a physical condition that causes significant pain. That may lead to depression, anxiety or an inability to concentrate or persist. They could work some days but some days they could not. They could work part-time for a few hours a day--but could never work 8 hour days on a consistent basis. These individuals are disabled under the Social Security definition.
Therefore, we want to present Social Security decision makers with ALL of your impairments (physical and mental) and give them the combined effects of all symptoms. I recently completed a disability application for one of my clients and he has listed 11 different impairments--ranging from arthritis, to chronic pain, to depression. All 11 of his conditions must be considered and the medical evidence for each should be evaluated before a decision is made.
I'm to answer this the best I can. The short answer is, Yes you may be able to.
Social Security is required to look at all of your impairments that would cause a significant problem in performing work-related activities. In fact, most claimants have more than one illness or impairment going on. Decision makers will look at all the factors that impact your inability to work, whether physical or mental.
Often, claimants will have a physical condition that causes significant pain. That may lead to depression, anxiety or an inability to concentrate or persist. They could work some days but some days they could not. They could work part-time for a few hours a day--but could never work 8 hour days on a consistent basis. These individuals are disabled under the Social Security definition.
Therefore, we want to present Social Security decision makers with ALL of your impairments (physical and mental) and give them the combined effects of all symptoms. I recently completed a disability application for one of my clients and he has listed 11 different impairments--ranging from arthritis, to chronic pain, to depression. All 11 of his conditions must be considered and the medical evidence for each should be evaluated before a decision is made.
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