Disability
Social Security (US - SSA)
Definition
Inability to engage in "Substantial Gainful Activity" (SGA) due to a medically determinable impairment.
Prerequisite chain
- Condition. A medically determinable impairment exists
- Functional status. Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) can't be sustained
- Applied test. Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) - assessed WITH meds/treatment/aids factored in
Qualifiers
- Severity. Must be "severe"
- Duration. ">=12 months or terminal"
- Scope. Cannot earn above the SGA financial threshold
- Other. Uses a 5-step sequential evaluation process
Impact
Prevents engagement in any substantial, gainful work.
Example
A claimant's RFC assessment finds that, even with medication, they can only sit for 2 hours a day, supporting a finding of disability.
Source: US Social Security Administration disability criteria
Language map: disability · Incapacity · Mitigated-state trap