Qualifying for one disability can be difficult enough to prove, so what happens when you have multiple disabilities that may qualify for benefits? One common myth that our Chicago disability attorney hears is that an application should only be for one type of impairment instead of covering multiple impairments. For example, the myth suggests that a physical impairment should have a different application than a mental impairment. This simply is not true! Here are some tips from our team.
How the SSA Views Impairments
When you are putting together your Social Security disability application, you may not know where to begin if you’re suffering from multiple impairments. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is required to consider all of your impairments when determining whether or not you qualify for benefits. If you have one disease that causes chronic pain in addition to a mental impairment like panic disorder, it’s important that you note both of these in your application. While one impairment may not qualify for benefits on its own, impairments may act together in order to help get you benefits.
Residual Functional Capability (RFC)
Another factor that the SSA considers is residual functional capability. In most cases, the SSA will consider an individual’s RFC, or the ability of what you can still do despite your impairments. Factors include your age, your education, your work experience, and your condition or combination of conditions. It is often many different factors that come into play when the SSA determines whether or not you receive benefits.
Applying for benefits without the guidance of a Chicago disability attorney will make the process significantly more stressful. Please reach out to us for professional guidance every step of the way.
