Social Security Disability Diagnosis

Apply for Social Security disability benefits can be an overwhelming process. It's usually not enough to be diagnosed as disabled; you must prove that your disability is severe enough to interfere with work-related activities. The Social Security Administration will consider several factors in deciding your Social Security disability diagnosis and claim.

Ability to Work

• If you are currently working and making more than the monthly cap of earnings set by the Social Security Administration, then you will generally be disqualified from receiving Social Security disability benefits. This amount changes every year and is listed on the Social Security Administration's website. If you are not working or your earnings average less than this amount, the agency then looks at your medical condition.

Severity of Condition

• Your medical condition must be severe enough to limit your ability to perform your basic work functions, including walking, sitting and remembering. In addition, your condition must last, or be expected to last, one year or result in death. Medical documentation from your physician will be required to prove the severity of your condition.

Type of Impairment

• Your medical condition must be listed on the Social Security Administration's "List of Impairments" or be the equivalent of a listed impairment. If your condition is on the list, it is severe enough to automatically qualify you for classification as disabled. Otherwise, the agency will make a determination of whether your disability is as severe as those on the list. You will have to provide detailed medical records confirming your diagnosis and describing your symptoms and treatment. If your condition is not as severe as listed ones, the SSA proceeds to the next step.

Previous Work

• The Social Security Administration will review your work history in the last 15 years to determine whether you can still perform this previous work despite your physical or mental impairments. You will need to provide information regarding your job duties, mental and physical requirements and workplace conditions, as well as what accommodations were made for your disability and when and how your disability began to affect your work.

Other Work

• If you cannot perform your past relevant work, the Social Security Administration will determine if you can perform any other type of work. The agency will consider your age, education and work experience, along with your medical condition, to find if you can transition to other work. If the agency determines you cannot adjust to other work, your claim will be approved.