Social Security Insurance Issues: HIV/AIDS & Hepatitis C:

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Rules and requirements for applying for Social Security

"Social Security Ruling 96-7p ASSESSING THE CREDIBILITY OF AN INDIVIDUAL'S STATEMENTS.

No symptom or combination of symptoms can be the basis for a finding of disability, no matter how genuine the individual's complaints may appear to be, unless there are medical signs and laboratory findings demonstrating the existence of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) that could reasonably be expected to produce the symptoms.
When the existence of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) that could reasonably be expected to produce the symptoms has been established, the intensity, persistence, and functionally limiting effects of the symptoms must be evaluated to determine the extent to which the symptoms affect the individual's ability to do basic work activities. This requires the adjudicator to make a finding about the credibility of the individual's statements about the symptom(s) and its functional effects.
Because symptoms, such as pain, sometimes suggest a greater severity of impairment than can be shown by objective medical evidence alone, the adjudicator must carefully consider the individual's statements about symptoms with the rest of the relevant evidence in the case record in reaching a conclusion about the credibility of the individual's statements if a disability determination or decision that is fully favorable to the individual cannot be made solely on the basis of objective medical evidence.
In determining the credibility of the individual's statements, the adjudicator must consider the entire case record, including the objective medical evidence, the individual's own statements about symptoms, statements and other information provided by treating or examining physicians or psychologists and other persons about the symptoms and how they affect the individual, and any other relevant evidence in the case record. An individual's statements about the intensity and persistence of pain or other symptoms or about the effect the symptoms have on his or her ability to work may not be disregarded solely because they are not substantiated by objective medical evidence.
It is not sufficient for the adjudicator to make a single, conclusory statement that "the individual's allegations have been considered" or that "the allegations are (or are not) credible." It is also not enough for the adjudicator simply to recite the factors that are described in the regulations for evaluating symptoms. The determination or decision must contain specific reasons for the finding on credibility, supported by the evidence in the case record, and must be sufficiently specific to make clear to the individual and to any subsequent reviewers the weight the adjudicator gave to the individual's statements and the reasons for that weight. "

—Health Hippo: Evaluations of Social Security Disability

ADDITIONAL ARTICLES:

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Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that ensures equal opportunity in employment, public accommodations, transportation, state and local government services and telecommunications for people with disabilities.

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY NIGHTMARE - IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU!!!

I am a 47-year-old female and for the last 30 years of my life I have contributed to the Social Security system as many millions of people do every day. Until 1996 I was perfectly healthy and never expected to have to use these funds until I was old enough to retire.

Health Hippo: Evaluations of Social Security Disability Part 1

(All report are Large -increased down-load time)

Health Hippo: Evaluations of Social Security Disability Part 2

Health Hippo: Evaluations of Social Security Disability Part 3

The Social Security Administration administers two programs that provide benefits based on disability: the Social Security disability program and the supplemental security income program . Title II provides benefits to individuals who are insured under the Act by virtue of their contributions to the Social Security trust fund through tax on their earnings. Title XVI provides payments to individuals who are disabled and have limited income and resources.

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