Disability Attorneys Handle "Light Duty" Disability Benefit Claims

A disability attorney can usually help older individuals that have been diagnosed with a restriction of only performing "light duty" at their job. Often times, this diagnosis can significantly reduce the number of hours the individual can work, by performing less mentally and physically demanding tasks.

While the Social Security Administration often defines "light duty" as "light work", the two labels might not always mean the same thing. The SSA usually defines any type or classification of work an individual performs by relying on the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, published by the Department Of Labor.

In that occupational dictionary, "light work" is defined as the task of exerting up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or 20 pounds occasionally. It also states that a negligible amount of force might need to be exerted to move objects. It might also include working in a sedentary position for long periods.

Defining the Condition

Most any disability attorney will agree that the legal definition of "light work" is hazy. However, it often requires standing or walking to a significant degree. It may also require the use of pulling or pushing the legs or arms for controls. Many "light work" jobs require working at a specific rate to keep up with production. Many times, someone who has been diagnosed as available for "light duty" simply cannot perform these light work duties.

Fighting for Individual Rights

An experienced disability attorney has the skill and knowledge to fight for these individual's rights and garner the disability benefits they deserve. Left alone without the skillful tools of a disability attorney, many claimants have their application denied. Without the knowledge of all of the laws concerning disability benefits with the Social Security Administration, a claimant can usually expect a negative outcome of their claim.

Skillful disability attorneys understand that claimants older than 55 with no transferable skills have a better chance of an approved claim. Additionally, non-English speaking, are illiterate individuals older than 50 years old, also have higher approval ratings.

Using the skills of a disability attorney to handle a "light work" claim is a sure way to make sure every avenue is taken for a positive outcome. Even "light work" claimants deserve disability benefits.

Social Security Disability Lawyers Handle SSDI and Mental Disorders

Social Security disability lawyers have the experience and knowledge to help individuals seeking benefits due to their mental disorder. They understand that debilitating and serious mental disorder creates a crippling impact on an individual’s daily life, and their ability to function and work. These types of mental conditions are serious illnesses and the individuals that suffer usually deal with a variety of physical and mental impairments.

Though the need for assistance seems obvious to a Social Security disability lawyer, the SSA (Social Security Administration) takes a harsh approach and uses stringent guidelines to block these individuals from their deserved benefits. The SSA's denial of disability benefits requires an appeal to the case. Using the skillful knowledge and tools of a qualified Social Security disability lawyer, these claimants can submit a form asking for reconsideration.

Mental Disorders Classifications

Social Security disability lawyers can help prove that the claimant's disorder qualifies under the disability listing of impairments (The Blue Book) of the Social Security Administration. The categories of these classified mental disorders include Mental Retardation, Anxiety-Related/Organic/Personality/Somatoform disorders, Autism, and Schizophrenia/Psychotic disorders.

A Social Security disability lawyer can provide medical evidence including a diagnosis of the claimant's mental impairment, showing the various stages of the disorder. This will help determine the level of severity. The Social Security disability lawyer can also provide a mental status examination along with standardized psychological tests.

Valuable Evidence

Social Security disability lawyers will seek medical testimony involving screening tests, neuropsychological assessments, phobic reactions, physical and mental manifestations, along with effects of treatment and medication. This evidence is used as a way to evaluate the claimant's abilities and limitations to function.

Hiring a team of Social Security disability lawyers can dramatically improve the chances of being approved to receive disability benefits, due to a mental disorder. With full knowledge of the law, an attorney can cut through the bureaucratic red tape to achieve a positive outcome.