The Five Steps for Determining a Disability
The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates claimants with a five-step evaluation process. If the SSA determines a claimant is disabled, he or she can receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) benefits.
The law office of Fritzie Moore Vammen, Attorney at Law, P.A., can help you understand the disability evaluation process. We provide the diligent, detailed and analytical legal representation that our clients deserve.
Disability Benefits Evaluation Process
Conway, Arkansas, lawyer Fritzie Vammen has been representing disabled clients almost exclusively since 1986. She has extensive experience with the five-step disability evaluation process. Social Security laws define disability as: "The inability to perform substantial gainful activity by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment, or combination of impairments, which has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 consecutive months, or end in death, taking into account the individual's age, education and work history."
The following five questions will be answered to determine if the individual qualifies for SSD:
- Is the claimant currently performing work?
- Is the impairment or combination of impairments "severe"?
- Does the impairment meet or equal a listing based on the medical evidence?
- Can the claimant perform past relevant work?
- Is there any work in the economy that the claimant can perform?
All criteria are defined in length by laws, regulations, case law and agency interpretations. Your attorney should be sufficiently knowledgeable in this area of the law to ascertain and present the issues in your case. Your attorney should also be knowledgeable enough to tell you if you do not have a case. Finally, your attorney should have the knowledge and experience to appeal a wrongful denial if there are sufficient grounds for appeal. Fritzie Vammen has the knowledge and experience needed to obtain a successful outcome on your behalf.
Connect With Fritzie Moore Vammen, Attorney at Law, P.A.
Do you have questions about the disability evaluation process? We are ready to listen, ready to help and ready to win. To schedule your free initial consultation, call us locally at 501-205-0581 or toll free at 877-215-0151. You may also contact us online.
