Social Security Evaluation

Dr. Shade performs disability evaluations which meet Social Security Administration (SSA) standards.


Additional information

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA)
http://www.ssa.gov

The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers two programs that provide benefits based on disability: 

  • the Social Security disability insurance program (title II of the Social Security Act (the Act)) and
  • the supplemental security income (SSI) program (title XVI of the Act).

Definition of Disability

For all individuals applying for disability benefits under title II, and for adults applying under title XVI, the definition of disability is the same. The law defines disability as: 

the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.

What is a "Medically Determinable Impairment"?

A medically determinable physical or mental impairment is an impairment that results from anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities which can be shown by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques. A physical or mental impairment must be established by medical evidence consisting of signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings-not only by the individual's statement of symptoms.

The Disability Determination Process

Most disability claims are initially processed through a network of local Social Security field offices and State agencies (usually called disability determination services, or DDSs). Subsequent appeals of unfavorable determinations may be decided in the DDSs or by administrative law judges in SSA's Office of Disability Adjudication and Review.