HUNTSVILLE DISABILITY GUIDE

Grid Rules are published as part of the 20 Code of Federal Regulations and are also called Medical-Vocational Guidelines.  The grids combine your age, education, past work skills and residual functional capacity to form a guide to determine if you are disabled. If you combine all the above factors and the grids point to "disabled," you should qualify for benefits.  However, you may still qualify even if the grids do not point that way.  You could still qualify by proving that a combination of all your impairments make you unable to perform any work available in the local, regional or national economy. Many advocates and attorneys will refer to the grids before deciding whether to take a case.  I prefer to dig a little deeper than the grids.  One example of where the grids are of no help is a case involving mental impairments.  Mental impairments are not measured by "exertion levels" and, therefore, the grid rules do not apply. For strictly physi

A successful disability application has several vital components.  An application should not be quickly "thrown together," for it is a complicated process, especially if it is to have a chance to be successful.  Here are some points to consider for a successful Social Security disability application in Alabama: Severity Requirement .  You must show that your illness or impairment is severe.  You also must prove that it results in more than moderate restrictions of function.  Duration Requirement.  You must demonstrate that your severe impairment has lasted--or is expected to last 12 consecutive months or more - OR that it is expected to end in death (terminal). Insured Status.  It will be necessary to have insured status under Title II disability insurance.  This requires a sufficient work history to have accumulated the required "quarters of coverage." Medical Support.  Your claim should be supported by both objective medical evidence (records) and

Vocational factors consist of your age, your work history, your work skills, and your educational background.  Vocational factors come into play when you have applied for Social Security Disability benefits but you do not have a medical or mental condition that matches the requirements for a medical listing in Social Security’s blue book or impairment listing manual . For example, you may not have had the required number of hospitalizations or your blocked artery may not meet the percentage set forth in the blue book, but it is still obvious that you are disabled by your condition.  Although your condition may not be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits under those listings, your application can still be approved if the examiner finds that you have a severe disability that prevents you from working. If you do not meet a listing you will need a medical history (records) which detail the severity of your condition(s) and how they limit your ability to functi