Category Archives: Legal Concepts in SSD

When is a Medical Condition “Severe” for Disability Eligibility

Social Security looks at your severe medical conditions in deciding your disability claim.  Deciding what conditions are severe is step two of the five step disability process. Over time Social Security has changed its view on what counts as severe.  … Continue reading

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What is Past Relevant Work (PRW)?

If SSA decides you do not meet a listing, then your case proceeds on to step four of the five-step disability evaluation process.  At step four Social Security considers whether you can return to your Past Relevant Work, or “PRW” … Continue reading

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RFC (Residual Functioning Capacity): What is it?

Your residual functioning capacity (RFC) is what you can still do, both physically and mentally, despite your medical problems.  Social Security considers all of the evidence in your case to estimate your RFC.  This evidence includes your medical records, your … Continue reading

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What Are the Social Security “Listings”?

The listings are rules that apply to specific medical conditions.  They direct a finding of “disabled”, meaning that Social Security must award disability benefits when the evidence shows the claimant has all of the necessary parts of a listing. The … Continue reading

Posted in Basics of SSD, Legal Concepts in SSD, Questions & Answers, The Listings (Step 3) | 2 Comments