Sequential Evaluation of Social Security Disability Claims

Once the Social Security Administration determines that all technical criteria has been met, the claim is forwarded to the state Disability Determination Service (DDS) for a medical determination.

If it is determined that the claimant if not engaging in substantial gainful activity (earning over $960.00 per month due to their disability, then the severity of the impairment or combination of impairments is evaluated. The test is whether it is expected to last 12 months or longer or result in death.

DDS uses a “Listings” book. Each separate Listing represents a part of the human body. For example, there are Listings for cardiovascular, musculoskeletal as well as mental impairments. There are specific criteria that must be met by objective tests found in the medical records.

The next step is whether you can do your past relevant work. DDS will consider not only the claimant’s most recent job, but also any jobs held within the past 15 years. Age, education and work experience (skill level) and type of job (sedentary, light, medium or heavy) is considered. A grid is used to evaluate these factors.

DDS will also decide if there is other work that the claimant can do within their residual functional capacity taking into account the restrictions and limitations of their impairments.

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Social Security and Acquiescence Rulings