The Social Security Administration’s Listing of Impairments
What to Expect at a Consultative Examination Applying for Social Security disability is a long, complex journey that is often very stressful for most applicants. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has mandated complicated rules and regulations that every claimant must meet and follow in order to qualify to receive benefits. As such, if you are planning to apply for disability benefits, you are strongly advised to seek the assistance of an experienced and skilled New York disability attorney to help you through this lengthy process. In determining whether claimants qualify for Social Security disability benefits, the Social Security Administration has developed two sets of regulations, the Medical-Vocational Guidelines and the Listing of Impairments. The Medical-Vocational Guidelines are used in cases where the claimant cannot be found disabled according to the standards of the Listing of Impairments and the claimant has already proven that he or she is not able to perform any past relevant work. Additionally, the Medical-Vocational Guidelines only apply to disabling conditions that result in exertional limitations. The Listing of Impairments is comprised of numerous common physical and mental impairments. If and when a claimant meets the requirements mandated by this Listing of Impairments, the claimant is said to “meet the Listings” and will automatically be found disabled without needing to prove that he or she cannot do past relevant work. If the claimant does not meet a particular listing, he or she can still be found disabled under the Listings if their disability is as severe as a particular impairment in the Listing of Impairments. The claimant is then said to “equal the Listings.” In determining whether a claimant meets or equals a listing, the Social Security Administration will review the treating physician’s opinions and evaluations. However, the Social Security Administration has made it clear that in dealing with the Listings, the determination is based more on medical fact rather than medical opinion. The Social Security Administration’s two sets of regulations for determining a claimant’s disability are complex and detail-oriented. If you are planning to apply for Social Security disability benefits, you should strongly consider consulting with veteran New York disability attorney Herbert Forsmith to make sure you provide the necessary information to save time and receive the benefits that you deserve. Call today for a free initial consultation.
