Step 1 of the Sequential Evaluation Process - ANSWER-Is the client engaging in SGA? SGA is work that involves 1) doing significant physical or mental
... [Show More] activities 2) it is usually done for pay or profit, whether or not profit is realized. SGA for 2023 is $1470 for non-blind individuals, statutorily blind is $2460
Self employed individuals are engaging in SGA when - ANSWER-they perform significant services in a business, work comparable to unimpaired individuals, and or work which is worth the prescribed monthly SGA amount
CFR's regarding the Sequential Evaluation Process - ANSWER-20 CFR 404.1520(a) and 416.920 (a). If it is determined that that a claimant is not disabled at any step, the analysis stops.
Step 2 of the Sequential Evaluation Process - ANSWER-Does the claimant have a medical determinable impairment and if so, is it severe (it significantly limits one or more basic work activities required to do most jobs). Work activities include standing, walking, lifting, seeing, pulling, pushing, reaching, carrying, handling, and speaking. Can also include mental functions such as understanding, carrying out or remembering simple instructions, using judgement, responding appropriately to c-workers and supervisors, dealing with changes in a routine work setting
Step 3 of the Sequential Evaluation Process - ANSWER-Does the claimant have an impairment that meets or medically equals a listing in Listing of Impairments? Found in Title 20, Chp. 3, Appendix 1, Subpart P of Part 404. Must meet the duration requirement (has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 1 year). The listings describe medically determinable impairments and associated findings that are severe enough to prevent an adult from doing any gainful activity, regardless of his or her age, education and work experience. If the claimant does have at least 1 severe impairment that does not meet or equal a listing, the ALJ must assess the claimant's RFC which is the most the claimant can do on a regular and continuing basis despite his or her impairment(s), even those impairments that are not severe.
SSR 18-3P, CFR 416.930 - ANSWER-Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment- Claimant's must follow prescribed treatment from their own medical source if it is expected to restore one's ability to work, 9 exceptions
Step 4 of the Sequential Evaluation Process - ANSWER-Can the claimant do past relevant work, either as the claimant actually performed it or as the work is generally performed in the national economy, last 15 years, only includes jobs that lasted long enough for the claimant to learn to do them, If work was perfomed in another country, the issue will only be how the claimant actually [Show Less]