The Social Security Administration (SSA) measures the extent of a disability in various ways to determine disability benefits eligibility. Exertional limitations are part of this process. Exploring the different types of exertional limitations and what they are may help when applying for disability benefits. You can also find ways to strengthen your disability claim with an experienced Pennsylvania disability lawyer.
There are two ways the SSA examines limitations caused by a disability. These include measuring exertional limitations and non-exertional limitations. Depending on the disability, the SSA may also consider the combined effects of exertional and non-exertional limitations.
Exertional limitations are any disability symptoms that impact strength-related skills at work. Strength-related skills include lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and walking activities. Any tasks at work that involve these skills could be impacted by a disability with exertional limitations.
Non-exertional limitations are what affect the ability to meet job demands. These tend to be more mental, while exertional limitations tend to be more physical. Some examples of non-exertional limitations include anxiety, depression, or difficulty with any of the following:
· Concentration
· Remembering directions/instructions and other details
· Attention
· Sight
· Hearing
· Tolerating aspects of the work environment
The few physical aspects of non-exertional limitations include crouching, climbing, crawling, and reaching for things. When these limits are caused by pain or other aspects of a disability, then these might be deemed non-exertional limitations.
Exertional and non-exertional limitations are combined when disability symptoms impact both physical and mental aspects of job performance. This may increase your chances of receiving disability benefits, depending on various factors. Try contacting a Pennsylvania disability lawyer to find out more.
Determining maximum sustained work capability is one of the reasons for measuring exertional limitations and capabilities. Maximum sustained work capability is the measure of a person’s ability to perform certain types of work for a standard work schedule. When people cannot perform work for a sustained period, then they might be eligible for disability benefits.
Levels of exertion are considered, including the ability to perform sedentary work, light work, and medium work. The more a disability prevents you from performing these levels of exertion, the higher your chances could be of receiving disability benefits. One of the main eligibility criteria for benefits is whether your disability affects work performance.
Your exertional functional capacity might be measured in different ways. These may or may not include you answering questionnaires, undergoing consultative examinations, and answering questions in an interview. Some of these processes can be confusing. You do not have to do this alone.
Reach out to an experienced disability lawyer who can help you move through the application process. A lawyer can answer questions you have and help you build a stronger disability claim.
Applying for disability benefits can be a stressful and confusing process. Reach out to a Pennsylvania individual disability insurance attorney to talk about legal options regarding your disability benefits claim. Contact Edelstein Martin & Nelson today at (800) 300-0909 for a consultation about your situation. Our legal team might be able to help you obtain disability benefits.