Social Security Disability and non-exertional limitations

On Behalf of | Feb 16, 2023 | SSD Benefits

For people in Southern California who are unable to work because of a medical issue and are trying to get approved for Social Security Disability benefits, they might immediately think about physical injuries being the primary catalyst for a claim. Of course, many cases are due to a person being injured, but they can also have other obstacles that make SSD benefits essential.

With a physical injury, the person seeking benefits will generally have limits as to how much they can do. These are known as exertional limits. However, there are also non-exertional limits that can be evaluated and lead to the applicant getting approved. It is important to understand non-exertional limitations when filing a claim.

How non-exertional limitations can impact an SSD claim

In any SSD claim, the case largely hinges on the symptoms and how limited the person is in being able to fulfill employment demands. However, a claim can be approved for non-exertional limitations.

Exertional is related to a person’s physical capabilities to complete the job requirements. For example, if the job requires them to lift a certain amount of weight or sit for an extended period and this cannot be done because of their impairment, it can result in receiving SSD benefits.

Non-exertional limitations stem from the impairment and the symptoms that accompany it. It can include pain. It can also include mental obstacles that prevent them from completing various tasks related to employment. If the person is experiencing depression, anxiety or is nervous, this could be a non-exertional limitation. It might also involve the inability to maintain attention or concentrate.

Some people have problems with their senses such as an inability to hear or see. If the work environment involves breathing in fumes or dust, this too can be categorized as a non-exertional limitation. The simple inability to perform basic functions like bending over, climbing or gripping items could be non-exertional.

There are cases where the person has both exertional and non-exertional symptoms. If they are experiencing pain that prevents them from completing physical tasks they would be able to complete without it, this may be viewed as a combination.

To understand all details of an SSD claim and getting benefits, it is useful to have help

As with all SSD claims, the individual circumstances will play a foundational role as to whether the case is approved. A key component of getting benefits is showing that the person cannot meet the demands of work. There could be many reasons for this and gathering evidence is essential. For these claims and addressing any challenges that arise, it is vital to have qualified help from the beginning.