Listing ofImpairments

The list establishes guidelines for determining a Social Security disability qualification quickly. The listings are a compilation of physical and mental ailments that are considered so debilitating that a person who suffers from one or more of the ailments automatically qualifies for disability. The list allows individuals and disability examiners to quickly find clear cases where individuals qualify for disability payments and help disability examiners quickly vet applications in order to streamline qualified applicants and begin paying timely benefits.

If your disability condition is not on the list, your attorney can do further investigation to find out if you qualify based on other criteria. In those cases, disability examiners will apply other rules in order to determine your eligibility. If you have an ailment that is not listed or if you have multiple health issues that combined keep you from working, you may still qualify for disability. An experienced Social Security disability attorney at Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC can help you determine how to handle your disability application and what you need to do in order to demonstrate your qualifications.

Equaling a listing on the Social Security Listing of Impairments means you meet the legal and medical criteria and the severity and duration requirements to qualify for disability benefits. When you equal a listing, your condition is a match to one of the conditions, and you automatically qualify for disability benefits upon your application. Even people who do not match with conditions on the list may be able to qualify for disability benefits based on rules that examine your residual functional capacity based on your age, education, and past relevant work.

If you have a condition on the Listing of Impairments, you must submit an application for disability with supporting documents, including medical proof of your ailments. Generally, a disability claimant needs to submit a record of clinical findings, lab tests, diagnostic records, and other information to support their claim. A disability claims examiner reviews the Listing of Impairments to determine if the applicant meets the qualifying criteria. If the examiner agrees that the claimant meets the criteria, the disability examiner approves the application and the Social Security Administration begins to pay benefits. It’s best to submit the required medical information with your initial application to avoid delays, but if more medical information is needed, the Social Security Administration can submit the case for a consultative examination. Applications are submitted to Disability Determination Services online, in person, or over the phone. The local field office verifies some of the nonmedical requirements, such as your age, marital status, and employment status. A representative reviews your description of impairment and your treatment sources and makes an initial determination. If you disagree with their findings, you may file an appeal.