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MUST YOU MEET A LISTING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY?

You hear talk of getting SSDI benefits by "meeting a Listing."  What are the Listings?

The Blue Book listings are found in the regulations at 20 CFR 404, Subpart P, Appendix I.

The Listings are divided into 12 body systems.  Each severe impairment is listed under its respective body system.  For example, Congestive Heart Failure is listed under Section 4.00 - Cardiovascular System.

When you go there, there is a list of severe symptoms, and they are severe.  If you exactly meet or equal the list of very extreme symptoms you will be automatically approved for disability.

Here's the problem:  Meeting one of the listings is about as likely as winning the Super Lotto.  It is very, very unlikely that you will do so.

Thus, 99 percent of claimants do not and cannot get approved by meeting a listing.  The listings are only for catastrophic, extreme impairments that most claimants simply do not have--or do not have at the severity level demanded by the listings.  Do not plan to get approved for Social Security disability by meeting a listing.

There are 5 sequential considerations that must go into a disability decision:

1. Is the claimant now working at Substantial Gainful Activity?

  • Yes      Claim is denied
  • No       Claim moves on to Step 2

2.  Does the claimant have a severe impairment lasting at least 12 months?

  • No      Claim is denied
  • Yes      Claim moves on to Step 3

3.  DOES THE CLAIMANT MEET OR EQUAL A LISTING?

  • Yes      Claim is automatically approved (Rare)
  • No       Claim moves on to Step 4 (most claims)

4.  Can the claimant perform any past relevant work?

  • Yes      Claim is denied
  • No       Claim is approved

5.  Can the claimant perform Any Other work in the national economy?

  • Yes       Claim is denied
  • No        Claim is approved

Most claimants will win or loose at either Step 4 or Step 5.  Few claims are decided at Step 3, the Listing level.

Here is the problem:  potential claimants search the Internet and look at the Blue Book Listings.  They believe if their condition shows up in the Listings they will be approved.  This is not the way the Listings work.  Read the details about the severity of impairments required.  Most claimants simply will not come lose to meeting a Listing but still may be found disabled at Steps 4 or 5 of the process.

You do not have to meet a Listing to get SSDI benefits!

If you don't understand Social Security, hire someone who does.

 

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