There are 5 "steps" used in determining a Social Security disability case. Here are the 5 steps, then we want to discuss Step 5: Is the claimant now working at SGA level? Does the claimant have a medically determinable severe impairment? Does the claimant meet a specified Listing? If not, what is his residual functional capacity or RFC? (What is the most he can do, even with his impairments)? Can the claimant perform any of his past relevant work? Is there any other work that exists in substantial numbers in the local, regional or national economy that the claimant can perform? Most cases that are lost are lost at Step 5, especially at the hearing level. Social Security will call a "vocational expert," usually a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, to give testimony concerning "other work" that the claimant may still be able to perform. If it is Social Security's determination that the claimant can still perform "other work," th...
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