Whether you’re filing a disability claim from SSA or SSI, you will need to go
through a complete evaluation process. Before taking this on by yourself, you should consider retaining the services of a competent Albuquerque Social Security lawyer. This is a legal professional who will be extremely knowledgeable with regard to all aspects of how the Social Security Administration operates. Working with an Albuquerque Social Security attorney will give you the confidence that you’re correctly following the guidelines.
Understanding the Sequential Evaluation Process
Before the Social Security Administration offers a determination as to your disability claim, you will have to go through a five-step sequential evaluation. Your Albuquerque Social Security lawyer will explain how to address each one of these steps. According to SSA guidelines, you can only be deemed disabled if:
1. You are not engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
2. You have a “severe” impairment that can be supported by a medical professional.
3. Your impairment meets or “equals” one of the impairments categorized by the SSA based on the “Listing of Impairment.”
4. Your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) prevents you from performing your Past Relevant Work (PRW).
5. You won’t be able to get another job because of your disability, your age, education or work history.
Although these steps might seem clear, your Albuquerque Social Security lawyer will point out that there are very specific legal definitions that support these regulations that might not mean what you think they do. Fortunately, your experienced Albuquerque Social Security attorney will have no trouble making sense of all that legalese.
Your Albuquerque Social Security lawyer will also need to present evidence that your disability will last at least 12 months as this is the duration requirement. In other words, you and your Albuquerque Social Security attorney can’t make a claim if you sprained an ankle that will heal in a few weeks.
Prepare a h3 Case With Your Albuquerque Social Security Lawyer
You will only get one chance to prove you are disabled. If the SSA finds you capable of work, your claim will be denied, and the matter will be considered closed. Before that happens, you need to trust your Albuquerque Social Security lawyer to prepare a h3 case on your behalf. Michelle Baca, Attorney at Law, has the know-how to support your claim and make sure you follow all the procedures. She is the right kind of Albuquerque Social Security lawyer to work for you. Call her offices today at 505-872-1142.