THE INTERNET MISLEADS CLAIMANTS LOOKING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

Where is the first place people look when searching for information?  Why, the internet of course!

Individuals get on the internet looking for information about who qualifies for Social Security disability.  And they often get misinformed.

Most likely, the search engine will direct you to the Social Security Listings.  These are lists of medical conditions, arranged by body systems, and a list of symptoms and laboratory findings that must be present to meet a listing.  Almost nobody meets a listing (and yet they may qualify for disability benefits).

Let's say for example, you google "Social Security disability for (my disease)."  You will be taken to a long complicated set of symptoms and laboratory tests that you must meet for that listing.  You will come away from it saying, "I'm not in that bad a shape," or "I couldn't meet all of those standards."

Here is why this is terribly misleading:

1.  Most people who qualify for Social Security disability do not meet a listing.  They qualify anyway but very few will meet a listing.  A listing award is made at Step 3 of the process.  Most awards, however, are made at Step 4 or 5 of the process and apply to persons who do not meet a listing.

Of all the cases I win, I would say that fewer than 1 in 10 meet a listing.

2.  Listings do not consider non-exertional impairments.  Exertional impairments restrict walking, lifting, pushing, pulling, etc.  They do not consider postural limitations like kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, handling, feeling, etc.  Listings also do not consider any mental limitations from depression, anxiety, PTSD, insomnia, etc.  Listings do not consider pain or fatigue.  All these factors (and many others) may cause you to be disabled, but you will never know it simply by reading the listings.

HERE'S THE BOTTOM LINE:  Don't access your own disability case online and miss out on benefits because you think you can't qualify.  A surgeon would tell you, "Don't diagnose your own medical condition to decide if you need surgery.  Let a doctor do that."

My advice is:  Don't try to evaluate your own disability claim online and fail to apply because you mistakenly believe you can't qualify.  Let an expert help you with that.

Even if you don't meet a listing (and most disabled people will not) - you may be disabled because of a combination of symptoms, including pain, fatigue, lack of concentration, postural limitations (can't sit or stand for prolonged periods); or you would be absent too many days because of your medical conditions.  There are a hundred factors that need to be considered, including age, education, past relevant work experience, and residual functional capacity--none of which are evident by reading the listings online.

"The internet is an OK place to look for general Social Security information.  However, it is dangerous to try to evaluate your case or odds of getting a disability benefit online.  You will be misled and may fail to claim what you are entitled to.  Get an expert opinion before you give up."

Call the Forsythe Firm at (256) 799-0297 and we will give your situation a free personal review, considering your age, education, past work, medical condition and limitations in your ability to perform work activity at the various exertion levels.

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