What Is a “Severe” Impairment in a Social Security Disability Case

What Is a “Severe” Impairment in a Social Security Disability Case?

If you have applied for Social Security Disability benefits, you may hear that your condition must be considered “severe” in order to qualify. This raises an obvious question: What does “severe” actually mean?

In everyday language, “severe” usually means something extreme or very serious; however, under Social Security law, a “severe impairment” has a specific legal meaning.

An impairment is considered “severe” if it significantly limits your ability to perform basic work activities.  This is a much lower standard than many people assume.

What Are “Basic Work Activities”?

Basic work activities include things most jobs require, such as:

• walking, standing, or sitting
• lifting or carrying objects
• understanding and following instructions
• maintaining concentration
• interacting with others
• responding appropriately to supervision

If your condition interferes with your ability to perform these types of activities, it may be considered severe under Social Security rules.

Step Two of the Disability Process

The question of whether your condition is “severe” comes up at Step 2 of the five-step disability process.  At this stage, Social Security is simply trying to determine does this person have a real medical problem that affects their ability to work?  If the answer is no, the claim may be denied early in the process; if the answer is yes, the case moves forward to the next steps.

This Is a Low Threshold

One of the most important things to understand is that Step 2 is intended to be a screening step.  That means the definition of “severe” is not meant to be overly strict.  In fact, many conditions will qualify as severe, including:

• chronic back pain
• joint problems
• depression or anxiety
• neurological conditions
• and many other impairments

Even a combination of smaller issues can be considered severe if, together, they limit your ability to work.

Why Claims Are Sometimes Denied at Step 2

Even though this is a low standard, some claims are still denied at this stage.

This often happens because there is not enough medical evidence in the file and/or the condition is not well documented.  In other words, it is not enough to simply have a diagnosis—your medical records must show how the condition affects your ability to function.

What Happens If Your Condition Is Severe?

If Social Security determines that your condition is severe, your claim will continue through the remaining steps of the process.

At that point, Social Security will look at:

• whether your condition meets a listing
• whether you can return to your past work
• whether you can perform other work

A “severe impairment” in a Social Security Disability case does not necessarily mean your condition is catastrophic. It simply means that your condition has more than a minimal effect on your ability to work.

This is an important step in the process, but it is only one part of the overall evaluation.

If you or someone you care for has recently been denied Social Security Disability benefits, or if you just have questions about your right to disability benefits, please do not hesitate to contact and speak with one of the experienced  Social Security Disability Lawyers at Powell and Denny today for a free consultation; and remember, virtual appointments are available through Zoom so you can meet with one of the attorneys of Powell and Denny from wherever you live. And remember, there is no fee unless you win.

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What Is a Severe Impairment in a Social Security Disability Case