502-244-4800
Many people applying for Social Security disability benefits have multiple medical conditions that affect their ability to work.
You might have chronic back pain that makes standing difficult, diabetes that causes fatigue, and depression that interferes with concentration.
Individually, none of these conditions may seem severe enough to qualify for disability benefits. Together, however, they may make it impossible to maintain regular employment.
One question I frequently address with clients is whether the Social Security Administration (SSA) will consider the combined effects of their medical conditions.
The answer is yes. In fact, SSA is required to evaluate the combined impact of medically determinable impairments when deciding whether someone is disabled.
You Do Not Need One Condition That Qualifies on Its Own
SSA maintains a list of medical impairments that may qualify someone for disability benefits when specific criteria are satisfied.
However, not everyone who receives Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) meets one of these listings.
A person may have several medical conditions that create significant limitations without any single condition satisfying a listing.
For example, someone with arthritis may have difficulty walking or standing for extended periods.
If that person also has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), even relatively light physical activity may cause shortness of breath. Adding depression or anxiety could further interfere with the ability to concentrate, maintain a schedule, or respond to workplace demands.
SSA must consider how these conditions affect the person together, rather than evaluating each diagnosis in isolation.
How Combined Conditions Affect Residual Functional Capacity
When a claimant’s impairments do not meet or medically equal a listing, SSA evaluates their Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). This assessment considers the most a person can still do despite their medically supported limitations.
Consider a Louisville worker who has spent years in a physically demanding job. A spinal condition may prevent heavy lifting, but the person might otherwise be able to do sedentary work.
What happens if that same person also experiences severe hand pain from arthritis, making typing or handling small objects difficult? What if medication causes significant drowsiness?
Those additional limitations may substantially reduce the types of work the person can perform.
SSA may need to consider limitations involving:
- Sitting, standing, walking, lifting, and carrying.
- Using the hands for repetitive movements.
- Maintaining concentration and completing tasks.
- Managing fatigue, pain, and medication side effects.
- Remaining productive throughout a normal workday.
- Maintaining reliable attendance.
The question is whether the person can sustain the activities required for employment despite these restrictions.
Even Less Severe Conditions Can Matter
An impairment does not necessarily have to be severe on its own to affect the disability determination.
Once SSA determines that a claimant has a severe impairment, it must consider the limitations caused by all medically determinable impairments, including those classified as non-severe, when assessing RFC.
A condition that causes relatively minor limitations on its own may become much more consequential when combined with another impairment. For example, occasional dizziness may not prevent someone from working independently, but it could create additional safety concerns for a person who already struggles with balance and mobility.
Make Sure SSA Knows About Every Medical Condition
I encourage clients to provide a complete account of their medical conditions, treatment providers, medications, and symptoms.
Leaving out a condition because it seems less serious than another can prevent SSA from understanding the full extent of their limitations.
Medical records should establish the conditions and help explain how their effects overlap. That may require evidence from several providers rather than relying exclusively on the specialist treating the claimant’s primary diagnosis.
Get Help Presenting the Full Extent of Your Limitations
A disability application should not overlook health problems that could affect a claim’s outcome. I can review your medical history, identify missing evidence, and help present your circumstances accurately to SSA.
Call Greg Marks, Social Security Law at 502-244-4800 or contact the firm online for a completely free consultation.
