Definition of sitting standing and walking according to Social Security Disability Benefits
Definition of sitting standing and walking according to Social Security Disability Benefits
At Sharon Christie Law, a Baltimore Social Security Disability Law Firm, we are often asked about the definition of sitting standing and walking according to Social Security Disability Benefits. In this video, Sharon Christie examines this question and provides you with the answer.
Official Transcript: Definition of sitting standing and walking according to Social Security Disability Benefits
Hi I’m Sharon Christie your nurse attorney for social security disability benefits. When you go to a social security disability hearing there are many questions that you will be asked. Certainly, you will be asked about sitting, standing, and walking.
Specifically, you’ll be asked about how far can you walk, how long can you sit comfortably, how long can you stand comfortably. And some follow up questions to that. So, why is that important? Well, you have to remember that the purpose of the hearing is for the judge to get more information about you and your problems. And then make a determination as to whether there is any type of job that you can do. Now there will be a vocational expert at your hearing who will talk about work you’ve done in the past and answer questions from the judge and from your lawyer about how limitations will affect your work in the future.
So where does sitting, standing, and walking come in? It becomes important in determining what exertion level you’re capable of. So, for example for someone who has no problem sitting, can stand for several hours in an eight-hour workday, can walk for several hours in an eight-hour work day. That would mean there is really no limitation in terms of those activities that would affect your ability to work. On the other hand, if you have someone who has let’s say has had multiple back surgeries and they haven’t worked. This is somebody who can only stand for ten minutes at a time, can only sit for thirty minutes at a time, can only walk 150 yards, and needs a cane to do that. That is a very different physical situation. And that is going to eliminate many jobs that would require a lot more in the way of say walking and standing.
So along with sitting, standing, and walking, we’ve talked about there’s also questions about how much can you lift, how much can you carry? Again, that’s being asked and the judge is looking for that evidence in your file because that determines what jobs you may or may not be able to do. So, if you’re able to lift a hundred pounds and you don’t have any limitations in sitting, standing, or walking. Well, that’s a case where you may base on those criteria alone be able to do heavy construction.
Now you might have other problems that are going to prevent you from doing that but you have to understand that those physical limitations and information about those physical abilities become very important in determining what types of jobs you may or may not be able to do.
The Path to Social Security Disability Benefits with Sharon Christie Law
Step 1: Understanding Social Security’s Definition of Disabled
The definition of disabled, according to Social Security, is that you have severe limitations from your health problems that keep you from doing any kind of work for at least 12 consecutive months. This is the first thing we look at when evaluating your case. Your diagnosis is just the starting point. To get disability benefits for you, we must prove that your disabling condition causes severe limitations in your day to day activities.
Step 2: Medical Records in Your Disability Case
You must have medical evidence to prove your disability case. The most important evidence is your medical records that show your diagnosis, your symptoms, and your response to treatment.
Step 3: Don’t go it alone: How Sharon Christie Law Can Help You
At Sharon Christie Law, a Social Security Disability Law Firm, we recognize that no one ever plans to get so sick that they have to stop working. When you need to apply for Social Security Disability Benefits we recognize that you will be anxious about the process and whether you can qualify for disability benefits. Our goal at Sharon Christie Law is to help you win your case and give you the financial stability you need! Why work with us?
We do it all for you: At Sharon Christie Law we handle all aspects of the case for you, from preparing and filing your application through the hearing with a judge. We are with you every step of the way. When working with us, you focus on feeling better, and we focus on winning your case.
We return your phone calls: We understand that you have many questions regarding Social Security Disability Benefits. We never want you to wonder what is happening with your case. We are here to answer your questions. All phone calls and emails are returned within 24 hours. That is our promise to you.
We believe in client education: The Social Security Disability process is confusing. We think it is important that you understand each step in the process. So, we created a section on our website that is accessible only to clients. This client’s only section tells you everything you need to know about the disability process.