Between 50 and 54

If you are between ages 50 and 54 the SSA’s definition of disability is weighted a little more in favor of the claimant.  You may meet the definition of disability if your medical conditions would limit you to only Sedentary occupations and all your occupations within the last five years did not provide you with any useful transferrable skills.

Examples of job skills that are not transferable to the sedentary level:

• Construction trade skills (Iron workers, Steel workers, Plumbers Electricians, Brick layers, Construction labor, etc.)

On the other hand, if all your jobs within the last 5 years were unskilled or possibly semiskilled, or if you haven’t worked in the last 5 years, you would not have any transferable skills. In that case, if you are limited to sedentary unskilled work, you may meet the SSA’s definition of disability.

Any ambulatory device such as a cane, crutches, rolling walker or wheelchair would limit you to the sedentary exertion level and thus, potentially meet the SSA’s definition of disability

It is important that you call us BEFORE you file your application so that we can advise you on how to lay the groundwork for a successful claim.  This would include preparing you for the various SSA forms that will be sent to you t to you to complete. These forms are misleading, often completed incorrectly and are used to deny claims.

On initial application, the SSA will send you out for an examination by one of their contract doctors.  These examinations are almost never helpful. When this occurs, we prepare our clients for these exams and help you take steps to protect your claim.

If your impairments prevent you from being able to work a full work week or cause you to miss work  or to be late  as least  2 or more days per month, you may meet the SSA’s definition of disability.  Examples of medical conditions that might cause this are:

• Epilepsy
• Migraine
• Immune disorders
• Neurological disorders
• Heart disorders
• Chronic Pain Syndrome

Examples of conditions that could limit you to Sedentary work or less  than Sedentary work:

• Excessive absences from work.
• Workplace accommodations such as the need to elevate your legs or feet due to your condition (swelling or pain)
• The need for frequent unscheduled breaks.

Some examples of impairments that might cause this are:

• Diabetes and Diabetic neuropathy
• Heart failure
• Fractures and/or surgeries to your lower extremity(s).
• Arthritis to a weight bearing joint
• Spine surgery
• Respiratory Disorders (COPD, Emphysema, Interstitial lung disease)
• Immune disorders

If you are in this age bracket, call us before or as soon as your application is filed.