Category Archives: Questions & Answers

Am I Eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (DIB) Coverage?

To receive Social Security Disability insurance benefits (DIB), you must have a medical impairment that is expected to last at least twelve months or result in death.  Social Security does not pay partial benefits or a percentage according to the … Continue reading

Posted in Basics of SSD, Date Issues, Filing Initial Application, Questions & Answers | 1 Comment

Why is a Vocational Expert Coming to Your Disability Hearing?

A Vocational Expert (VE) is present at most Social Security disability hearings.  VEs are persons who are knowledgeable about the physical and mental demands of work and the numbers of particular jobs in the nation and your region.  Usually they … Continue reading

Posted in Capability to Work (Step 5), Past Relevant Work (Step 4), Questions & Answers, Vocational or Work Issues | Comments Off on Why is a Vocational Expert Coming to Your Disability Hearing?

Why Does the Disability Judge ask Hypothetical Questions to the VE?

The questions the judge asks the VE require a two step process.  First, the judge must consider how your medical conditions affect you physically and mentally by stating your residual functioning capacity (RFC).  Second, the judge looks at whether you … Continue reading

Posted in Capability to Work (Step 5), Past Relevant Work (Step 4), Questions & Answers, Vocational or Work Issues | 1 Comment

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

Posted in Basics of SSD, Legal Concepts in SSD, Questions & Answers, Severe Impairments (Step 2) | Comments Off on When is a Medical Condition “Severe” for Disability Eligibility