Physical Limitations Can Win Your Social Security Disability Case

Physical Limitations Can Win Your Social Security Disability Case.

In determining whether or not you will be able to win your Social Security disability case, you may have heard that basically you must be able to prove that you are incapable of doing even sedentary work due to your physical impairments.

For the most part this is true, but the reality is that the determination as to whether or not you are disabled is quite a bit more complicated.

However, there are some physical limitations you may possess which is considered to significantly erode the occupational base. So, in essence, some or all of these limitations may make it so that there are no other jobs in the workforce you would be able to do.

First, if you lack the ability to use your hands, then you may be found disabled. The Social Security Administration has determined that a person must have certain use of the arms and hands to grasp, hold, turn, raise, and lower objects. Most sedentary jobs will require use of hands and fingers.

Second, there are two types of bending people do during their day while at work. There is stooping, which is bending the body downward and forward by bending at the waist; and there is crouching, which is bending downward and forward by bending the legs and the waist. If a person cannot crouch, that would likely not be a reason to find him or her disabled. However, if a person was unable to stoop at all, then there could be an argument that any job would at least require some amount of stooping. While this may also not be the sole reason as to find a person is disabled, it could be a strong contributing factor.

Third, is the problem many people face such as walking and standing and sitting. Sedentary work will require a person to be able to sit throughout most of the day. Many disabled people need the opportunity to alternate between standing and sitting. Thus, if you are not able to sit or stand for very long periods of time, Social Security may find you disabled after determining how long you are able to sit, stand, or walk, before needing to change positions.

These are just some of the physical limitations that can contribute to a finding you are disabled. Again, your case will also be evaluated on account of your age, education, and the work skills you have obtained in your life, but this at least gives you somewhat of an idea of what Social Security is looking for when making a disability determination.