The following terms are extremely important in every Social Security disability case. Knowing these factors, and presenting them in a way consistent with Social Securities rules, regulations, and standards will be essential throughout your claim and especially at your hearing with the Social Security Disability Judge.
- What are the five steps of the "Sequential Evaluation Process" that the judge will use to decide my case?
- What is my "Alleged Onset Date" (AOD)? What is the earliest or latest date that I can claim under the law?
- What is my "Date Last Insured" (DLI)? Can I still win my case if my DLI has already past?
- How does Social Security categorize my "education level" and why is it important? Will it hurt me or can it be used to help me?
- Which of my previous jobs are classified as "Past Relevant Work" (PRW), and which were not? Why does it matter?
- Is any work I did after I became disabled considered "Substantial Gainful Activity" (SGA) as defined by Social Security? Why does it matter?
- Does any work I did after I became disabled qualify as a period of "Unsuccessful Work Activity" (UWA)?
- Do I have any "transferrable" skills? If not, is that good or bad?
- What's the difference between "disability," "severe impairment," "non-severe impairment," and "no impairment"?
- Who is an "acceptable medical source" according to Social Security? Do opinions from other people matter?
- When is a doctor's opinion entitled to "controlling weight"?
- What is a "listed impairment"? Do I "meet" or "equal" a listed impairment? If neither, can I still win my case?
- What are my "exertional limitations" and my "non-exertional limitations"?
- What's the official difference between "Sedentary" work and "Light" work?
- If I am 18 years old or older, what is my "residual functional capacity" (RFC)?
- If I am 18 years old or older, do I meet a "grid rule"? If not, can I still win my case?
- If I am under 18 years old, what are my limitations in each of Social Security's seven "functional domains?" Are any of my limitations "marked" or "extreme" as defined by Social Security?
- Will the judge have a "Vocational Expert" (VE) at my hearing? If so, what questions need to be asked of the VE?
- How will the "Dictionary of Occupational Titles" (DOT) be used in deciding my case?
- What are my "activities of daily living" and why are they important to a decision about working?
- What statements might I make at the hearing that are not necessary and may hurt my case?
- Can I sustain "substantial gainful activity" (SGA) as defined by Social Security?
