How do I get social security disability benefits?

This is the most frequently asked question by people inquiring about Social Security Disability benefits in South Carolina. I usually start by asking the person to tell me about their diagnosed conditions and the difficulty it has caused in their daily lives or their current job. During this conversation I try to inform the caller that a mere diagnosed condition does not entitle them to benefits under the rules of the Social Security Administration.

What is the definition of disability?

According to the Social Security Administration, the definition of disability is:

“The law defines disability as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.”

In other words, do the limitations and restrictions caused by your medical condition(s) prevent you from doing your prior work or any other employment given your age, educational background, and current work skills? More importantly, are these limitations and restrictions addressed in their medical records? Once the caller understands the definition, then we can discuss how the Social Security Administration would likely evaluate their claim.

How does a social security disability lawyer help?

Here at The Calcutt Law Firm, once we determine that the Claimant’s medical condition prevents them from working, we move to the second piece: medical evidence. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is looking for limitations and restrictions specified in the Claimants medical records that prove they would be unable to work on a full-time basis or perform substantial gainful activity.

If the Claimant believes he/she cannot work due to the limitations caused by a physical health problem such as degenerative disc disease or a knee condition, etc., then SSA will review medical records for restrictions in lifting, sitting, standing and walking as well as postural limitations (bending, stooping and kneeling, etc.) If the Claimant suffers from mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, etc., then the SSA will review the medical records for evidence of problems with concentration, focusing, following work instructions, and dealing with work related stress, etc.

How is evidence for a SSD claim built?

Once you have chosen to work with The Calcutt Law Firm, we work with our clients to build this evidence over time. We review medical records at the onset of the case to see if our clients’ healthcare providers are including limitations and restrictions in their records. If not, we ask our clients to go over their physical or mental limitations with their doctors. At The Calcutt Law Firm we believe that obtaining social security disability benefits is a team effort involving the Client, their treating healthcare providers and our staff. If everyone works cohesively, can we expect to get a favorable decision from the Social Security Administration.

Contact Us Today

If you’re unable to work because of an illness, injury, or disability, you may be entitled to social security disability benefits.

At the Calcutt Law Firm, we understand how important SSD payments can be for injured workers and their families. And we’re proud to support members of our community in Florence and other nearby areas in South Carolina.

Call our Florence social security disability lawyers today at 843-662-5878 or contact us online.

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