Call Us Today

Disability Evaluation Process

Bankruptcy, Social Security Disability & Long Term Disability Attorney

Determining Disability for SSD Benefits

According to the Social Security Act Sec. 216. [42 U.S.C. 416](i)(1), the definition of disability is an “inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment 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 order for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine your level of disability and if you’re eligible to receive social security disability (SSD) benefits, the SSA has a precise disability evaluation process in place. Although the entire process can be quite complex, you can greatly increase your chances for a successful SSD claim with the aid of a prominent social security disability lawyer from Memphis, TN.

The Disability Determination Process

In most cases, the entire process begins at your local Social Security Administration field offices and State agencies, often called Disability Determination Services or DDSs. You can find the Memphis DDSs office at the following location:

Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
309 Monroe Street
Memphis, TN 38103
Ph: (866) 348-5830

If you receive an unfavorable determination regarding your disability, you’ll still be able to make an appeal to the Administrative Law Judge in the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review. As you go through this process, the field office is responsible for investigating the details of your claim. Often, they will verify non-medical eligibility requirements for SSD benefits, such as age, employment history, marital status, and more. Furthermore, the DDS will attempt to develop any medical evidence and make the initial determination of whether or not a claimant is disabled or blind. The DDS then returns the case back to the field office for subsequent action.

How the SSA Determines If You’re Disabled

The SSA has comprehensive documentation regarding how they determine disability. Furthermore, the SSA provides a specific list of impairments that are used when determining disability. This list of impairments is known as the “Blue Book,” and it lists impairments for both adults and children. However, it is important to note that not all disabilities are listed in the Blue Book, and even if you don’t find your impairment, you may still be eligible to receive SSD benefits.

Furthermore, the SSA generally follows five questions regarding the state of your disability. These questions include:

  • Are you working?
  • Is your condition severe?
  • Is your condition found in the list of disabling conditions?
  • Can you do the work you did previously?
  • Can you do any other type of work?
 

For a Free Consultation, Call Memphis Attorney John E. Dunlap Today

Going through the disability evaluation process can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you are highly dependent on the benefits owed to you through the SSD program. As such, you can greatly strengthen your case through the guidance of the the leading Memphis social security disability lawyer, John E. Dunlap, PC. For a free consultation, call us today at (901) 320-1603.