There are many different diseases and impairments that can lead to an inability to sit for long periods at a time. As a result, you may find it difficult to find gainful employment with such a limitation and may be wondering if you can receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits as a result.
The Social Security Administration (SSA), the agency responsible for deciding who receives SSD benefits, considers several factors when deciding whether you are able to work. One of these factors is the length of time that you are able to sit. In deciding if you are capable of performing work activities, the SSA classifies occupations into different levels of exertion necessary to perform related activities.
Sedentary Exertion Level
A sedentary exertion level, which means being able to sit, is the lowest exertion level that the SSA acknowledges. Because of this, if you are unable to sit for long periods of time, the SSA may find that you are unable to engage in gainful employment.
However, the SSA may look for a job that maintains a sit/stand option, meaning that an employee is able to alternate between sitting and standing in the workplace.
What Prevents Someone from Sitting for Long Periods of Time?
There are various reasons for why a person would be unable to sit for a long period of time. However, common reasons include:
- Pain
- Neuropathy
- Lower Back Issues
- Knee Problems
- Hip Problems
- Swelling
Swelling in one’s lower extremities occurs when they are seated for too long. For instance, when someone’s legs dangle it can result in an accumulation of blood and other fluids to the area, resulting in swelling. This swelling can also cause pain. Some people must elevate their legs a certain height to prevent this pain. Those who have a medical reason to elevate their legs up to a certain position will want to receive a medical statement from their treating physician to increase their chances of winning their SSD claim.
SSD claimants who prove that they are unable to stand for most of the day may still need to prove that they are also unable to do a seated job.
Although you can file for SSD benefits on your own, the various rules and restrictions associated with your claim may prove complicated and confusing. A knowledgeable and experienced SSD attorney can help to explain these rules (and the SSD process) to you to improve your chances of being approved.
The Las Vegas SSD Attorneys at Roeschke Law, LLC Can Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with a disability that prevents you from working, you may not know how to proceed. Fortunately, the attorneys at Roeschke Law, LLC can help. We understand the impact that a disability can have on your physical, emotional, and financial health. That’s why it’s our mission to help you. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, contact us today!