When a Missouri resident is seeking Social Security Disability (SSD) for injury, there will inevitably be terms that he or she might not fully understand. However, these terms are often vital to the claim and could make the difference between getting approved for SSD benefits. Exertional and non-exertional limitations are examples.
A person’s impairment and the symptoms that go along with it can result in their inability to work. These can be exertional, non-exertional or both. If the issue is exertional, it means that the person does not possess the physical strength to do certain jobs. With exertional limitations, the impairment and the symptoms that accompany it will hinder the ability to fulfill the strength portion of certain jobs. That includes standing, sitting, walking, pulling, pushing and carrying.
Non-exertional are generally psychological or sensory issues. The person might have problems functioning due to a feeling of nervousness, anxiety or depression; he or she could have difficulty concentrating and maintaining attention. There might be an issue with remembering and comprehending detailed instructions. Maybe, there are problems with sight and hearing, or an inability to deal with environmental situations at work, such as fumes or dust. Or, there is a problem completing basic functions, like reaching, crouching, climbing and similar movements.
If there is a combination of exertional and non-exertional issues, these can be used in conjunction to show the Social Security Administration that the person is disabled and SSD benefits are warranted. One of the basic tenets of getting SSD benefits is the inability to work. Those who are suffering from exertional or non-exertional limitations should understand what they entail to determine if they meet the criteria for an approval. A law firm that specializes in Social Security Disability can help.
Source: SSA.gov, “404.1569a. Exertional and nonexertional limitations.,” accessed on April 10, 2018
