Washington disability claimants must meet the eligibility requirements first. The Social Security Administration makes determinations in these cases based on predetermined criteria. The first of these eligibility requirements is to identify an inability to become substantial or gainfully employed for at least one calendar year.
What Is a Severe Impairment?
A severe impairment is the second major requirement. Under these guidelines, a severe impairment is a condition that is either physical or mental from which the applicant won’t recover. This condition will affect their entire lives. If the condition is severe but the applicant will recover, it isn’t an eligible condition. To identify eligible conditions, contact a disability attorney in Olympia, WA today.
Could the Applicant Perform Former Job Duties?
Applicants that have worked previously are evaluated. During the evaluation, the applicant must demonstrate if they are capable of performing the work they did before. If they aren’t capable of performing these duties, they must provide valid reasons associated to their condition.
Could the Applicant Perform Any Job Duties?
If the applicant can’t perform previous job functions, they must consider other opportunities. The mental or physical condition must prevent them from acquiring work. If the only job duties they could perform places them below the poverty level, they may qualify.
Who Evaluates the Applicant’s Condition?
Medical examiners are utilized by the Social Security Administration. These examiners don’t always possess the same skill sets as the doctor that diagnosed the condition. This is why any applicants who are denied benefits should file an appeal.
Filing an Appeal
All applicants who are denied disability benefits have the right file an appeal. With this appeal, they need all their medical records for this condition. Through an appeal, they have the opportunity to address the judge.
Applicants who wish to acquire Social Security Disability benefits must follow the guidelines. If they omit any of these steps, their applications could be denied quickly. They must first identify an eligible condition and support their claim with conclusive evidence. To learn more about appeals and viable claims, contact a disability attorney in Olympia, WA at Putnam Lieb today.
