Your Past Work History: Why Does it Matter in Your Social Security Disability Case?
When applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, many disabled applicants focus primarily on their medical records. While medical evidence is essential, the reality is that your past work history plays an equally important role in determining whether you qualify for benefits. To help disabled individuals who are seeking SSD benefits better understand the SSD system, here we explain why your work history is a key factor in your case, and where to turn for legal help getting SSD benefits due to you.
“Past Relevant Work” in Social Security Disability Cases
The Social Security Administration uses a structured evaluation process to decide disability claims. Part of that analysis involves reviewing your “past relevant work.” This generally includes jobs you performed within the last fifteen years that lasted long enough for you to learn how to do them and were considered substantial gainful activity.
Importantly, it is not enough to list your job title. The Social Security Administration looks at what you actually did on a daily basis. For example, two people may both have the title of “manager,” but one may have performed primarily desk work while another regularly lifted heavy boxes and stood for long periods. An experienced Social Security Disability lawyer can help ensure that your job duties are accurately described so the agency understands the true physical and mental demands of your work.
Why Your Past Relevant Work is Important to Your SSD Case
Your work history matters because the Social Security Administration will typically ask whether you can return to any of your past relevant jobs. If the agency determines that you can still perform that work, even with limitations, your claim may be denied. If you cannot return to your past work, the analysis moves to whether you can adjust to other types of work. Your age, education, transferable skills, and work experience all come into play. For example, a person with decades of physically demanding labor may face different considerations than someone with a long history of sedentary office work. An experienced Social Security Disability lawyer evaluates how your background fits within the agency’s vocational rules and grid guidelines.
The Role of a Vocational Expert in SSD Cases
In many cases, vocational experts are involved at the hearing level. These experts testify about the types of jobs a person with certain limitations could perform. An experienced Social Security Disability lawyer cross examines vocational experts and challenges assumptions about job requirements or transferable skills. This can be critical in demonstrating that no realistic work options exist given your medical limitations and work history.
Getting Legal Help to Get SSD Benefits Due to You
In summary, in an SSD case, your past work history is typically not just a background detail. It is a central part of the disability analysis that can determine whether your claim is approved or denied. If you are applying for benefits or appealing a denial, the experienced lawyers at Nationwide Disability Law can review your case, explain how your work history affects your eligibility, and guide you through every step of the process. Contact Nationwide Disability Law today and speak with an experienced lawyer about your rights, options, and next steps now.
Source:
ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/404/404-1560.htm
