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A medically determinable physical or mental impairment must result from anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities that can be shown by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques What is a medically determinable physical or mental impairment? According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), a medically determinable physical or mental impairment must result from anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities that can be shown by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques. The impairment must be established by objective medical evidence (signs, laboratory findings, or both) from an acceptable medical source, not on an individual’s statement of symptoms. Link to SSA Guidelines Medical Evidence In seeking Social Security Disability benefits, it's crucial to understand how the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates your application. The SSA requires clear, objective medical evidence to establish the presence of a disability. This means that the disability must be supported by physical, mental, or psychological abnormalities that can be identified through clinical evaluations and laboratory tests conducted by recognized medical professionals. Simply put, the existence of a disability must be verifiable through medical data, not just personal accounts of discomfort or pain. For your application to be considered, it's essential to have up-to-date medical records documenting your condition and the ongoing treatment you're receiving. The Disability Determination Services (DDS) will review these records meticulously, looking at treatment notes, imaging results, prescribed medications, and any physical therapy you may be undergoing. They're assessing the nature of your impairments and their longevity and potential to persist for at least 12 months or lead to mortality. A common hurdle many applicants face is the insufficiency of their medical documentation. If the medical records are sparse or fail to capture the full extent of the impairments, DDS may not find enough evidence to substantiate the claimed disability. It's important to remember that DDS relies solely on the written documentation in your medical records. They do not engage in direct discussions with you, your healthcare providers, or your personal network to gather additional insights. Therefore, ensuring that your medical records are comprehensive and accurately reflect the severity of your condition is paramount. If you're concerned that your doctor might not be documenting your condition thoroughly in your medical records or wondering whether a doctor's note stating your inability to work is sufficient for your claim, it's important to delve deeper into these issues. A detailed doctor's note can be supportive, but it must be part of a broader set of medical evidence that paints a full picture of your impairments and their impact on your daily functioning. Navigating the intricacies of Social Security Disability claims can be challenging, but understanding the importance of robust, detailed medical documentation is critical in advocating for your rights and securing the benefits you need. Back to FAQ Page

Doctors have their ways of doing things, and we can't really change that. That's why, if SSA says no to your disability claim at first, it's super important not to give up and to keep asking them to reconsider 01 My doctor says I am disabled, but SSA keeps denying me?!? Whether you can or cannot work is an issue reserved to the Commissioner. “A statement on an issue reserved to the Commissioner is a statement made by a medical source or a nonmedical source who is not part of the adjudicative team that would direct our determination or decision that the claimant is or is not disabled or blind within the meaning of the Social Security Act. We are responsible for making the determination or decision about whether a claimant is disabled or blind.” Your doctor is not part of the adjudicative team at SSA and, therefore, cannot make a determination as to the ability of a person to work. READ MORE AT SSA.GOV 02 What statements are considered to be Statements On Issues Reserved To The Commissioner? These examples do not include every possibility, consider the following statements to be on issues reserved to the Commissioner. A statement indicating whether: the claimant is disabled, blind, able to work, or able to perform regular or continuing work, the claimant has a severe impairment, the claimant’s impairment(s) meets the duration requirement, the claimant’s impairment(s) meets or medically equals any listing in the Listing of Impairments (Listings), the claimant has a specific residual functional capacity (RFC) using our programmatic terms about the functional exertional levels in DI 24510.006 Assessing Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) in Initial Claims (SSR 96-8p), the claimant’s RFC prevents him or her from doing past relevant work, the claimant meets the requirements of a medical-vocational rule in DI 25025.035 Tables No. 1, 2, 3 and Rule 204.00, the claimant’s disability continues or ends when we conduct a continuing disability review (CDR), a claimant’s drug or alcohol addiction is material to his or her disability, a claimant failed to follow prescribed treatment, or in a Title XVI child’s case, an impairment functionally equals the listings. 03 So Now What? Is there even a reason for me to go to the doctor? READ MORE AT SSA.GOV Your doctor is really important because they help take care of your health and provide information about your condition. However, when it comes to the official decision about whether your health problem means you can't work, your doctor's opinion is just one piece of the puzzle. The SSA, not your doctor, makes the final decision regarding disability. Even though your doctor can't make the final call on these things, what they say about your health is still very important. It helps the SSA understand your situation better. Back to FAQ Page

It means the highest level of work you can consistently manage despite your physical or mental limitations. Think of it as the most demanding work you can realistically handle throughout a typical workday and workweek. What is Maximum Sustained Work Capability? This term is used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine if you qualify for disability benefits. It means the highest level of work you can consistently manage despite your physical or mental limitations. Think of it as the most demanding work you can realistically handle throughout a typical workday and workweek. How does the SSA measure this? Residual Functional Capacity (RFC): They examine your medical records and doctor's opinions to create an RFC outlining what you can still do (how much you can lift, stand, walk, concentrate, etc.). Comparing to Job Demands: Your RFC is compared to the requirements of Link to SSA Guidelines Link to SSA Guidelines Why is this important for disability benefits? If the SSA finds your impairments prevent you from doing even the easiest types of jobs consistently, you're more likely to be considered disabled and eligible for benefits. If you have milder limitations, the SSA also looks at your age, education, and skills to see if you can adapt to different work. Link to SSA Guidelines Back to FAQ Page

ManleyReynolds attorney's wrote a detailed description and steps through the benefits process. Step 2: Request for Reconsideration Since most applications are initially denied, the second step is to request reconsideration. This is the same for both SSD and SSI claims. The request can be filed online, in person, or by mail. If you hire us, we will file the Reconsideration request for you, even if you did not contact us until after you received the initial denial. This step is substantially the same as the initial application process. There is more paperwork, more medical records, and possibly more consultative exams. The claimant is always responsible for keeping DDS and SSA informed of all medical providers, medical conditions, and doctor and hospital visits. When you are our client, we make sure this is done for you. Failing to complete anything that has been asked of you usually results in a denial for failure to comply. Generally, only 13% of Requests for Reconsideration are approved for benefits. Most people receive a denial letter at this step as well. Back to Our Approach Page

Past relevant work is work that you have done within the past 5 years that was substantial gainful activity. Any job held for less than 30 days is no longer considered relevant work Past Relevant Work (PRW). (1) Definition of past relevant work. Past relevant work is work that you have done within the past 5 years that was substantial gainful activity and that lasted long enough for you to learn to do it. ( See § 416.965(a).) Any job held for less than 30 days is no longer considered relevant work. Past 5 years SSA will go back five years from the date you allege you were no longer capable of full-time, sustained work activity. SGA For non-blind individuals, the monthly SGA amount for 2025 is $1,620.00 . The monthly SGA amount for statutorily blind individuals for 2025 is $2,700.00 . SGA for the blind does not apply to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, while SGA for the non-blind disabled applies to Social Security and SSI benefits. Substantial Work is "substantial" if it involves engaging in significant physical or mental activities, or a combination of both. Gainful Work is gainful if it is: performed for pay or profit; of a nature generally performed for pay or profit; or intended for profit, whether or not a profit is realized. Lasted long enough to learn Duration refers to the length of time during which the person gained job experience. It should have been sufficient for the worker to have learned the techniques, acquired information, and developed the facility needed for average performance in the job situation. The length of time this would take depends on the nature and complexity of the work. Any job held for less than 30 days is not used in determining this section. Back to FAQ Page

ManleyReynolds addresses frequently asked questions from previous interactions. As always, our attorneys are happy to answer questions! Frequently Asked Questions Reach an attorney directly at vickicorr@getssdi.org if you cannot find an answer to your question or want more information. Each person's situation is different; these questions and answers are for general information only. Do I qualify for Benefits? The immediate answer is, "it depends". Several factors determine whether you should start a claim with the Social Security Administration. The first question to answer is whether you are currently working. If you are and you make over a certain amount of money each month, you will not qualify for benefits. The monthly allowed amount changes annually. If the answer to the first question is no or you are under the allowed amount, the second question is, are my impairments medically determinable and have or will they last for at least 12 months? If the answer to both questions is yes then you should start the application process. If you are not sure about an answer, call our office and we can dicuss the situation with you! Link to Learn Even More How long does the process take? Most Initial Applications take between 6 and 8 months. Much of this time depends on how long your doctors take to respond to the requests for records. Requests for Reconsideration generally take between 4 and 6 months. Hearings before the Administrative Law Judge take 6 to 12 months. Link to Learn Even More How much does it cost? There are no out-of-pocket attorney fees for our clients. The Social Security Administration pays our attorney fees directly from the accrued back benefits. The SSA must approve all fees before they are released. There is never a fee if you do not receive benefits. Currently, the SSA determines attorney fees at 25% of the back benefits up to $7,500.00. Attorneys are never due anything from any future benefits clients receive. Link to Learn Even More How do I start? You can start an application for benefits several ways. 1. You can call us and we will start the process for you. 2. You can go on-line to ssa.gov and start. 3. You can go to or call your local field office for an appointment to start the claim. Link to Learn Even More Can I work? People are currently allowed to work and make up to $1,550.00 per month before tax and before being approved to receive benefits. SSI benefit recipients who are working will have a deduction in the amount of their monthly benefits. Please remember any person receiving SSI must inform the Social Security Administration of any work done each month. Link to Learn Even More I have no income, what do I do? The Federal Government does not offer any temporary benefits while your claim is pending. You can contact your local DHHS office to see if you qualify for benefits through their office. Please note that some DHHS offices will require you to repay the benefits you receive from them during the pendency of your social security claim. Link to Learn Even More What does disability mean? The Social Security Administration defines disability as a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that prevents an individual from engaging in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) and is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. Sounds pretty simple. But what is a medically determinable physical or mental impairment? Click here for a deep dive. What is substantial gainful activity (SGA)? Click here to find out more. Link to Learn Even More I applied before and I was denied, what can I do now? Call our office! Many times, even though someone has been denied, we are able to get them approved. Each person's case is different and we are happy to discuss your situation and let you know what we can do to help you. Link to Learn Even More Additional Questions? Call or text us today!

SSA requires a child to have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment (or combination of impairments) that results in "marked and severe functional limitations." Children and Disability For children to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, they must meet the Social Security Administration's (SSA) strict definition of disability. This requires a child to have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment (or combination of impairments) that results in "marked and severe functional limitations." The impairment must also have lasted, or be expected to last, for at least one year or result in death When evaluating a child's disability claim, the SSA considers their age, the severity of their limitations, and how their condition impacts their ability to function in age-appropriate activities compared to other children. Marked and Severe Functional Limitations Child Benefits Marked and Severe Functional Limitations refer to a level of impairment that significantly interferes with a child's ability to perform age-appropriate activities compared to other children without disabilities. Marked Limitations: A marked limitation is more severe than a moderate limitation and indicates serious difficulty in a particular domain. Severe Limitations: A severe limitation is one that very seriously interferes with a child's ability to function in a certain area. Determining Child SSI Claims How the SSA determines this: Functional Domains: The SSA evaluates a child's limitations across six domains: Acquiring and using information Attending and completing tasks Interacting and relating with others Moving about and manipulating objects Caring for yourself Health and physical well-being Comparison to Other Children: The child's limitations are assessed relative to what would be expected for their age group. Not Just Diagnosis: A diagnosis alone does not guarantee benefits. The focus is on how the medical condition impacts daily functioning. Back to FAQ Page

Ordinarily, RFC is a function-by-function assessment of an individual's maximum ability to do sustained work-related physical and mental activities on a regular and continuing basis (8 hours a day, for 5 days a week) despite the limitations and restrictions resulting from his or her medically determinable impairments. In short, it accounts for an individual’s capacity for full-time work RFC Residual Functional Capacity What is Residual Functional Capacity or RFC? Ordinarily, RFC is a function-by-function assessment of an individual's maximum ability to do sustained work-related physical and mental activities on a regular and continuing basis (8 hours a day, for 5 days a week) despite the limitations and restrictions resulting from his or her medically determinable impairments. In short, it accounts for an individual’s capacity for full-time work. For the physical RFC (PRFC) an individual’s medical condition is evaluated in terms of the physical demands of work used in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) and SCO. Mental RFC (MRFC) is evaluated in terms of the mental demands of work set out in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) . The sole purpose of assessing RFC is to determine an individual’s ability to work at steps 4 and 5. Limitations? Restrictions? Limitations: Define activity levels beyond which an individual is physically unable to perform on a sustained basis. Restrictions: Define activity levels beyond which it would be medically ill-advised for an individual to perform on a sustained basis. Restrictions: Define activity levels beyond which it would be medically ill-advised for an individual to perform on a sustained basis. Back to Our Approach Page

ManleyReynolds wants to help you receive your benefits. Call us today! ManleyReynolds, PLLC. Social Security Disability Law Firm Home About the Firm Our Approach Resources and Information FAQ Contact Us More Return to Homepage Contact Us Today! 18000 W. 9 Mile Rd., Suite 635 Southfield, MI 48075 Text, ZOOM or Call Us: (833)-GET-SSDI (833)-438-7734 Email: attorneyvicki@getssdi.org Return to Homepage Contact us today for a free consultation! Last name(Required) First name Email or Phone Number(Required) Please provide either your phone # or email, this will be the way we contact you. Questions? Feel free to leave more information here, either regarding your case or general questions. Our attorney will review this information to provide you a better answer. Or you can leave this blank and address your questions/concerns over the phone or email. Submit Facebook WhatsApp Linkedin ZOOM Return to Homepage

At ManleyReynolds, PLLC, we approach every case with a focus on achieving the best possible outcome for our clients. Our team of experienced lawyers is dedicated to working tirelessly to get you the benefits you deserve. We are here to help guide you through the process. Let us put our experience to work for you and help you navigate the complex world of Social Security disability law. The ManleyReynolds Approach At ManleyReynolds, PLLC, we approach every case with a focus on achieving the best possible outcome for our clients. Our team of experienced lawyers is dedicated to working tirelessly to get you the benefits you deserve. We understand the challenges facing individuals seeking Social Security disability benefits and are here to help guide you through the process. We pride ourselves on our personable and helpful approach and are always available to answer any questions you may have. Let us put our experience to work for you and help you navigate the complex world of Social Security disability law. Questions? Send us an email! SSDI SSI Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) SSD is for people who have a sufficient work history. To qualify for SSD, a person must have the required work credits. Generally, this means working full-time for at least five of the ten years before the illness or injury occurred. You earn work credits for each quarter you work, up to four credits a year. The rest of the requirements are identical for SSD and SSI claims. You must have an illness or injury that is medically determinable that prevents you from working full time that has or will last for at least 12 months or will end in death. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) SSI is for anyone who, for any reason, does not have a work history. This includes children who have a medically determinable impairment that has or will last for at least 12 months or end in death. SSI is a needs-based program. You most likely will not qualify for this benefit if you have too many assets, too much money in the bank, retirement accounts, or other property or income. Similarly, if you are disabled and do not have a work history, but your spouse is working, you most likely will not qualify for these benefits. Household income is used to calculate SSI. SSI claims have a cap that is determined each year. The Social Security Administration does reduce the monthly amount for various reasons. This does include and is not limited to the following: assistance from others, living with others, receiving income from a part-time job, and for a variety of other reasons as well. 3 Steps to Benefits Not a fan of talking? Text us today! 01. Step 1: Application The first step in your journey to receiving your benefits is to start an application. There are several ways to do this: 1. You can call us at (833)-GET-SSDI, and we will apply for you. 2. You can go online and fill out the electronic forms at ssa.gov. 3. You can call or go to your local field office. Read All 02. Step 2: Request for Reconsideration The second step is to file a Request for Reconsideration. This must be done within 60 days of the date on the denial letter There are several ways you can file this request: 1. You can call our office at (833)-GET-SSDI, and we will file it for you. 2. You can mail in the forms to request a reconsideration. 3. You can go online and fill out the request. 4. You can go to your local field office to file it. Read All 03. Step 3: Request for Hearing The third step is to file a Request for Hearing. This must be done within 60 days of the date on the denial letter. 1. You can call our office at (833)-GET-SSDI, and we will file it for you. 2. You can mail in the forms to request a hearing before the Judge. 3. You can go online and fill out the request. 4. You can go to your local field office to file it. Read All Request for reconsideratio