When applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), it is important to understand that having multiple impairments can strengthen your case. The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates the combined impact of your conditions to determine how they limit your ability to work. Multiple impairments can influence your eligibility in several ways.
Combining impairments
If a single impairment does not meet the SSA’s criteria, many impairments together might reach the severity needed for SSDI. The SSA considers how. physical and mental conditions interact to impact daily life and employment. The SSA follows federal guidelines, but they also consider your individual circumstances to assess if your impairments, when combined, create significant limitations.
Listing requirements
The SSA maintains a list of impairments that automatically qualify for benefits if they are severe enough. But, if your conditions do not meet the specific listings, the SSA evaluates whether your combined impairments limit your ability to perform any type of work. This evaluation includes your ability to adjust to different jobs based on your age, skills, and work history.
Residual functional capacity (RFC)
If your impairment does not meet or equal a listed condition, the SSA assesses your residual functional capacity (RFC). The SSA looks at how your impairments, in combination, reduce your ability to perform specific work tasks, such as lifting, walking, or concentrating. This RFC analysis helps determine if there’s any work you can do despite your limitations.
Comprehensive assessment of SSDI claims
The SSA’s approach to assessing many impairments reflects the need for a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s overall health. By considering the full picture of your limitations, they aim to ensure fair eligibility determinations that reflect your capacity to maintain employment or secure SSDI benefits under the conditions you face.
