Understanding Terms Used In A Social Security Disability Case
As is the case with all branches of law, social security law has no shortage of terms that are only used with social security law. For example, the Social Security agency (or SSA) uses a grid and listings to determine what if any work you can do. If you received a denial letter from the SSA, and you think the denial was given in error, then you need to understand how the SSA makes their decisions, so you can understand what you need to do to contest your denial:
Disability Listings
The SSA compiles and revises a list of disabilities to determine which disabilities will preclude you from doing work. If you file claiming a disability that does not appear on the SSA's listings, they may deny your claim because it does not appear to them that you have a sufficient reason to claim that you cannot perform work.
Going to the Grid
After looking at disabilities, the SSA will also look at whether you can perform less demanding work than what you used to perform before you sustained injuries. For example, you may not be able to perform heavy physical labor, but you may be able to perform medium work, light work, or sedentary work. If the SSA thinks that you are able to perform a less strenuous job than your previous work, they may decline your claim.
Less than Sedentary
Sedentary work refers to work you can perform while sitting down. If the SSA thinks that at the least, you can find a job which requires sedentary work, they may decline your disability claim. In which case, you will need to prove that you're abilities would only allow you to do less than sedentary work.
If you are not aware of how the SSA looks at claims, you may inadvertently file a claim that does not properly present the facts of your case, and then end up with a denial letter from the SSA. If this is the case, it may be time to enlist proper legal help. Calling a lawyer who specializes in social security law should cost you nothing initially. In fact, many social security lawyers will not accept payment until your case has reached a successful outcome. Thus, there is no harm in talking over your case with a lawyer to determine if you have grounds to dispute your denial letter and to make plans for how to present a successful appeal.
Contact a law firm like Glen Cook Social Security Attorney for more information and assistance.
