How to Win Your SSDI Case When You Can’t Perform Sedentary Work

Summary: When you are applying for SSD benefits, the process can be long and frustrating due to the strict criteria everyone has to follow. One of the criteria that applicants must adhere to is proving they can’t work, even when it comes to performing sedentary work. To prove your case, you need to understand the definition of sedentary work and then learn how to prove you’re unable to perform this type of work so your claim is approved.

Applying for social security disability (SSD) benefits can be a confusing, drawn-out process. The Social Security Administration (SSA) puts emphasis on finding those not qualified, which leads to delays for those who do. As a result, you must meet their strict criteria. This includes proving your ability to work is limited even for performing sedentary work. Here we look at what the social security disability benefits application process involves and how you can prove you are unable to perform sedentary work.

What is Sedentary Work?

Although the SSA considers sedentary work a job where most duties performed involve sitting, it also includes:

• Lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time
• Occasional lifting or carrying articles like docket files, ledgers, and small tools
• Occasional walking and standing for less than two hours a day

This definition can therefore impact your ability to qualify, and the decision made by the SSA during the disability benefits process.

How Does the SSA Determine if I Am Qualified for SSDI?

The SSA determines if you are eligible for SSDI based on a five-step process:

1. You can’t earn over $1350 a month from working ($2260 if you are blind).
2. You must have an impairment(s) limiting your ability to work for at least 12 months or that will likely result in death.
3. Your condition must meet all the SSA’s requirements based on their list of disabling medical conditions or symptoms equal to those on their list.
4. If not on the list of conditions, your medical impairment must prevent you from performing your past work
5. You also can’t perform other work based on your impairment, age, education, past work experience and any transferable skills.

The biggest challenge is showing you can’t perform any other type of work or sit for long periods. For example, the SSA might find that you can’t stand to perform work but can sit to perform sedentary work, which will interfere with your eligibility to receive SSDI benefits.

How is Sedentary Work Established for My SSDI Claim?

Although the SSA has a basic outline for what they consider sedentary work, they also use a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment. Vocational experts help find jobs you could perform that are considered sedentary. So, while your medical evidence proves you can’t walk, stand or lift, the SSA might find you can still perform other job duties based on the expert’s findings. This includes:

• Work-related functions you can perform on a sustained basis.
• Finding you have certain functional capabilities that allow you to perform other duties.
• Additional findings related to your ability to work despite your disability.

Their conclusions then determine your functional capacity and whether you qualify for benefits.

What is the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) Assessment?

The RFC assessment provides the SSA with a detailed summary of your functional limitations and abilities. The assessment is used to categorize your level of impairment. It looks at the symptoms and/or limitations to your functional capacity based on the following:

Physical

• Sitting
• Standing
• Walking
• Lifting
• Carrying
• Bending
• Reaching
• Handling

Mental/Cognitive

• Concentration
• Memory
• Comprehension
• Interaction
• Maintaining pace

Other Limitations

• Sight
• Hearing
• Balance
• Environmental influences

How are RFC Findings Categorized?

Your RFC results are categorized into one of five categories:

1. Sedentary
2. Light
3. Medium
4. Heavy
5. Very Heavy

If you fall into categories 1 through 3 you are more likely to qualify. In most cases categories 4 and 5 don’t qualify unless you have other limitations that keep you from performing sedentary work. In this case, you really need a disability advocate to help prove you are unable to work.

How to Prove You Cannot Perform Sedentary Work

The SSA’s job is to show you can perform full-time, sedentary work. Therefore your job is to prove you can’t work. A disability advocate understands the factors that help prove you can’t work including:

• An inability to lift 10 pounds or lighter even occasionally
• Unable to sit for 6 hours of an 8-hour shift
• Unable to stand or walk for over 2 hours combined
• The need to keep your legs elevated
• The need for a device to walk including a cane
• Unable to work without taking a break to lie down for more than an hour
• Unable to work without changing position frequently, making it difficult to just sit and stand throughout the day at your workstation
• Unable to work in noisy environments
• Reduced ability to use both hands and/or all your fingers
• Balance issues
• Amputations
• Visual limitations
• Disability hearing levels
• The need for frequent breaks
• Unable to bend or stoop
• Chronic back issues
• Medications that impair concentration and focus

The only way to prove you can’t perform any type of work is to provide supporting medical proof. Medical records should include not just current conditions, but past injuries or conditions that present the above challenges.

Age and Sedentary Work

Age plays a key role in qualifying for disability benefits. If you are under 50 therefore, it becomes even more important to show how your condition prevents you from working. SSA is very limited to how far they’ll go to prove your disability. Instead, they are focused on showing you are able to work. As a result, they look at your ability, as opposed to disabling impairments.

Documenting proof should include test results, and doctor visit notes recording your complaints regarding your impairments, but can also be supported with letters from your treating physician in hand with treatment plans you have tried but failed. The more medical evidence you submit with your initial application, the less likely you’ll have to file an appeal and go through the appeals process.

How to Win Your SSDI Case

Because the SSA is very adept at proving you can perform sedentary work, you need an experienced representative to help improve your chances of winning. A disability advocate can address all your limitations with proper medical evidence to ensure you are properly rated as “less than sedentary.” The experts at Princeton Disability can help prove you are unable to perform any level of work, to get the benefits you deserve. If you are unable to sit for long periods and perform sedentary work, reach out to our team today to assist with your disability application.