The Social Security Administration (SSA) lists medical conditions that may qualify for disability benefits in the Blue Book. Many people wonder if they could still qualify for disability benefits if their medical condition is not listed. A medical vocational allowance may allow them to still qualify for benefits if certain criteria are met. Talk to a Philadelphia disability attorney to find out more.

How Medical Vocational Allowance Works

Not all disabilities or medical conditions are listed in the SSA Blue Book of disability listings. This leaves some people feeling discouraged about whether they could qualify for disability benefits. However, there might still be a chance under the medical vocational allowance provision by the SSA.

The medical vocational allowance provision is designed for people who have a disability that is not severe enough to be listed in the Blue Book. This may include those who have rare disabilities with unique sets of symptoms. Compared to those with severe disabilities who automatically qualify for disability benefits, these people may not qualify right away.

This is because the SSA considers how much a disability impairs work performance when determining eligibility for disability benefits. Less severe disabilities may impact a person’s life but may also still allow that person to work. Whether this person can still earn a full living income is what will partially determine eligibility for a medical vocational allowance.

To qualify for a medical vocational allowance, someone must have a disability and must lack transferability of work skills to find a new job. This person must not be able to earn a living income as a result of the disability. To measure this, the SSA will usually require a residual functional capacity evaluation.

What Residual Functional Capacity Measures

A residual functional capacity evaluation measures a person’s ability to adapt to new types of jobs. The goal is to help the SSA determine whether a person can continue working for a basic income despite having a disability. Four main factors are considered including mental abilities, physical abilities, other abilities, and total limiting effects.

Mental abilities include understanding, remembering things like work instructions, and the ability to communicate in a work environment. Physical abilities entail standing, carrying objects, pushing, and other related physical skills someone would be expected to do at work. Stamina and strength are considered when measuring these.

Other abilities range from hearing to skin impairments. Total limiting effects look at any other limitations caused by a disability that do not match other categories. Chronic pain is one example. Try contacting a Philadelphia disability lawyer if you have questions about how this evaluation works. Find out if you could qualify for benefits under the medical vocational allowance.

Disability Attorney in Philadelphia

You may not have to go through the tedious disability benefits application process alone. Ask a Philadelphia individual disability insurance lawyer if you are unsure about the disability benefits application process. All you have to do is call Edelstein Martin & Nelson today at (800) 300-0909 for a consultation about your options for disability benefits. Our team of attorneys can help you take steps to improve your chances of receiving benefits.