Social Security Looks Beyond Your Diagnosis

A diagnosis is important, but it is only one part of a disability claim. Social Security wants to know how your condition affects your ability to complete work-related activities consistently.

For example, two people may have the same diagnosis but experience very different symptoms and limitations. One person may be able to continue working with treatment, while another may be unable to maintain employment because of pain, mobility issues, concentration problems, frequent medical appointments, or other complications.

Social Security reviews medical records, treatment history, test results, and provider notes to determine how a condition affects day-to-day functioning.

Your Past Work Matters

Social Security first considers whether you can still perform the work you did in the past. This includes more than your job title. It also includes the physical and mental demands of that work.

The agency may consider whether your previous job required you to:

• Stand, walk, lift, bend, or reach throughout the day

• Use your hands for repetitive tasks

• Work around machinery, heights, or hazardous conditions

• Follow detailed instructions or make important decisions

• Interact with customers, coworkers, or the public

• Maintain a consistent pace and attendance schedule

If your medical condition prevents you from completing the essential duties of your past work, Social Security then considers whether there is other work you could reasonably perform.

Physical and Mental Limitations Are Both Considered

Social Security evaluates both physical and mental limitations when reviewing a disability claim.

Physical limitations may include difficulty with lifting, standing, walking, sitting, using your hands, bending, or maintaining balance. Mental limitations may involve concentration, memory, anxiety, depression, stress tolerance, decision-making, or the ability to interact appropriately with others.

The issue is not simply whether you can perform a task once. Social Security evaluates whether you can perform work activities reliably, safely, and consistently over time.

Age, Education, and Work Experience Can Affect a Claim

When Social Security considers whether you can adjust to other work, it may also review your age, education, and work history.

For example, an older worker with a long history of physically demanding work may have fewer realistic options if a medical condition prevents them from continuing in that field. Education, job skills, and whether those skills can transfer to less demanding work may also be considered.

These factors can be especially important when Social Security determines that a person cannot return to their previous job but may be able to perform other work.

Medical Evidence Helps Show Your Functional Limitations

Medical evidence is a critical part of showing why you cannot work. Social Security may review:

• Doctor and specialist records

• Diagnostic tests and imaging

• Treatment history

• Medication side effects

• Physical therapy or rehabilitation records

• Mental health treatment records

• Statements describing functional limitations

Detailed records that explain how a condition affects your ability to work can be more helpful than records that only list a diagnosis.

A Denial Does Not Always Tell the Full Story

A denial may state that Social Security believes you can perform other work, but that conclusion may not fully reflect your limitations, medical evidence, or real-world ability to maintain employment.

In some cases, additional records, clearer documentation, or a more complete explanation of a person’s work limitations can make a meaningful difference during an appeal.

Helping Clients Across Southern Oklahoma

Polly Murphy, P.C. helps individuals throughout Southern Oklahoma navigate Social Security Disability claims and appeals. The firm works to ensure that the full impact of a client’s medical condition, work history, and functional limitations is clearly presented.

Speak With a Social Security Disability Attorney

If you are unable to work because of a medical condition or have received a denial stating that you can still work, Polly Murphy, P.C. can help you understand your options. Contact the firm to discuss your Social Security Disability claim and the next steps available to you.