Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a lengthy process that often includes a host of steps. One part of the process is showing how daily limitations impact your life. These descriptions help to show how the medical condition actually affects your ordinary activities, which is often much different than what a diagnosis says on paper.
Daily limitations may involve having trouble standing, walking, concentrating, lifting, sitting for long periods, remembering instructions or completing tasks without breaks. The goal of showing your functional limitations is to explain what happens during a normal day for you so that the disability examiner has a clear picture of how your condition affects your ability to do basic tasks and work.
Specific details are important
One of the most important things to remember when you’re describing the limitations is that you must be as specific as possible. Making generalized statements, such as “I can’t work,” or “I’m in constant pain,” doesn’t really provide tangible information. Instead, you should describe the symptoms, how often they occur, what triggers them, how long it takes to recover and whether you need help from other people during these episodes.
You must be honest and accurate when you make these statements. Don’t minimize or exaggerate them in any manner. Descriptions that match a diagnosis and what’s expected, along with the treatment history, are often more effective than outlandish ones. It is perfectly fine to admit that your condition varies from day to day, since that is common. Just include information that tells the disability examiner how often your condition limits you, and whether you need to take long breaks or rest after a certain amount of activity.
SSDI cases can be complex and lengthy. Working with someone familiar with these matters may be beneficial for applicants who are already having to battle a career-limiting condition.
