Applying for Disability – Is It Right for Me?

A lot of folks frequently consider if they should go on disability or even get advised to do so by their doctors. This usually happens when their medical or psychological issues become so bad that they start interfering with or make it impossible to continue working in a meaningful and productive manner. When that happens, and there is no foreseeable improvement of the health issues, it is usually a good idea to try to apply for disability.

But what does it mean to be disabled? According to the Social Security Act, disability is the “…inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.” See 42 U.S.C. §§ 423(d)(1) and 1382c(a)(3)(A). In other words, if a person sustains a permanent injury or develops some chronic painful condition that is unlikely to improve with job modification or work restrictions, if that person becomes unable to work, it will likely mean that the person is disabled.

If you are considering applying for disability, or if your application has been denied, you should consider talking to an experienced attorney. Call Yuri Jelokov at 507-625-2525 for a free no-obligation consultation about your case and the best options for you.