Applying for Social Security disability is not limited exclusively to individuals with physical impairments. Non-exertional limitations from mental impairments and pain caused by physical impairments can also have an effect on the ability to work. Let’s examine what these limitations are and why they matter for your disability claim.
What Are Non-Exertional Limitations?
Non-exertional limitations stem from conditions that are not exclusively physical in nature. They can impact in you in terms of your emotions, energy, senses, and mentality. For example, while a bad back might stop you from lifting heavy boxes, trouble focusing because of psychiatric symptoms or extreme pain could make it hard to do any job at all.
Why Do Non-Exertional Limitations Matter for Social Security?
When the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates your disability claim, it takes into account both exertional and non-exertional limitations.
Non-exertional limitations can be just as important as exertional limitations. These problems impact the ability to work at every exertional level, which is important when Social Security is deciding if you’re eligible for disability.
Common Types of Non-Exertional Limitations
Here are some common non-exertional limitations that could affect your ability to work:
- Difficulty with concentration, persistence, pace, and focus
- Problems remembering, understanding, and carrying out instructions
- Inability to interact appropriately with coworkers, supervisors, or the general public.
- Difficulty responding appropriately to workplace changes or customary work pressures
- Aversion to environments with bright or flashing lights, loud noises, or extreme vibrations.
- Environmental issues such as temperature extremes, pulmonary irritants, or workplace hazards.
- Inability to maintain a work schedule or proper workplace attendance.
How to Present Non-Exertional Limitations in Your Disability Claim
When you’re applying for SSDI benefits, it’s important to explain your non-exertional limitations clearly. Here are some tips:
Be Specific: Instead of just saying “I have trouble concentrating,” give examples like “I can’t focus on reading for more than 10 minutes at a time.”
Get Professional Help: Ask doctors, therapists, or other specialists to write detailed reports about your limitations. Many disability attorneys will use specialized forms to help your doctors highlight your individual limitations
Keep a Daily Journal: Write about how your limitations affect your daily life. This can be good evidence for your claim. This is especially true when it comes to episodic impairments such as seizures or panic attacks.
Get Statements from Others: Ask friends, family, or former coworkers to describe how they’ve seen your limitations affect you.
Be Honest About Good and Bad Days: If your condition fluctuates from day to day, be sure to describe both your best and worst days.
Remember, Social Security needs to understand how your limitations would affect you at work every day. The clearer you can explain this, the stronger your case will be.
Getting Help Presenting Your Disability Claim
If you’re dealing with a Social Security disability claim involving non-exertional limitations, consider approaching a Social Security disability attorney. Social Security disability lawyers can help you explain all aspects of your condition, including non-exertional limitations, in your claim.
Contact Brock and Stout’s experienced disability lawyers today and let us work with you to ensure your Social Security claim fully represents these crucial aspects of your condition.