An impairment or combination of impairments that significantly limits one’s physical or mental ability to do basic work activities, the abilities and aptitudes necessary to do most jobs. Examples of basic work activities include: walking, standing, sitting, lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, carrying, and handling; seeing, hearing, and speaking; understanding, carrying out, and remembering simple instructions; use of judgment; responding appropriately to supervision, co-workers, and usual work situations; and dealing with changes in a routine work setting.
Severe Impairment
Social Security Disability Law Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does the disability process take?
- How much will representation cost?
- Should I apply for disability?
- Should I use an attorney to help me apply?
- What are disability hearings like?
- What does a disability attorney do?
- What happens if my disability appeal is late?
- What is the most common disability mistake?
- When am I likely to receive a hearing?
- When do you suggest I hire a lawyer?
- When should I apply for benefits?
Your Disability Hearing
- Advice for Your Social Security Disability Hearing
- Answers to 14 Common Questions
- Lay Witnesses
- The Social Security Disability Hearing
- Vocational Issues
- Your Testimony
The Disability Evaluation Process
Applying for Disability Benefits When You Have:
- Anxiety Disorders
- Arthritis & Joint Damage
- Asthma
- Back Injuries
- Chronic Fatigue
- Complex Regional Pain
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Crohn’s Disease
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Depression/Bipolar Disorder
- Diabetes
- Fibromyalgia
- HIV
- Hearing Impairment
- Hepatitis C & Liver Diseases
- Ischemic Heart Disease
- Leukemia
- Lung Disease
- Lupus
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Schizophrenia
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Stroke
Disability Appeals
After a Favorable Decision
- Working Part-Time After You’ve Been Found Disabled by the Social Security Administration
- Frequently Asked Questions After a Favorable Social Security Disability Benefits Decision
- Delayed Social Security Disability Benefits
- Continuing Social Security Disability Reviews
Legal Issues
- Alcohol or Drug Addiction
- Borderline Age
- Chemical Sensitivity and Environmental Illness
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Illiteracy
- Inability to Afford Treatment
- Inability to Speak English
- Inability to Stoop
- Lupus
- Manipulative Limitations
- Severe Impairment Definition
- Subjective Pain Complaints
- Worn-Out Worker Regulation