Category Archives: Basics of SSD

RFC (Residual Functioning Capacity): What is it?

Posted on December 8, 2010 by Editorial Board

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 →

Posted in Basics of SSD, Capability to Work (Step 5), Legal Concepts in SSD, Past Relevant Work (Step 4), Questions & Answers, Vocational or Work Issues, Your Limitations | Comments Off on RFC (Residual Functioning Capacity): What is it?

What Are the Social Security “Listings”?

Posted on December 2, 2010 by Editorial Board

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

The One Year Durational Requirement

Posted on November 26, 2010 by Editorial Board

The “duration” requirement is one of the fundamental rules of Social Security Disability Law.  The Agency’s regulations state, “Unless your impairment is expected to result in death, it must have lasted or must be expected to last for a continuous … Continue reading →

Posted in Basics of SSD, Date Issues, Filing Initial Application, Legal Concepts in SSD, Severe Impairments (Step 2), Why People Are Denied | Comments Off on The One Year Durational Requirement

Social Security Disability Forms

Posted on November 22, 2010 by Editorial Board

Social Security Disability Forms are part of the paperwork you have to fill out during the disability application process.  You have to do some of the forms when you start your case, while others are mailed to you by Social … Continue reading →

Posted in Basics of SSD, Social Security Forms, Why People Are Denied, Winning Disability Benefits | 1 Comment