SSR Social Security – Social Security Rulings Crucial for Your Success
Social Security Rulings provide insight into how you may anticipate the Social Security Administration will view and potentially rule in a situation of facts closely aligned with your situation — if there is a comparable situation.
SSRs are a series of precedential standards that will be employed in subsequent similar cases decisions relating to the programs administrated by SSA and are published under the authority of the Commissioner of Social Security. SSRs do not have the same force and effect as the law or regulations. However, they are binding on all components of the Social Security Administration, in accordance with 20 CFR 402.35(b), and are to be relied upon as precedents in adjudicating cases.
How do you find SSR’s that are similar to your situation?
Begin with the Social Security Disability Evaluation Bluebook, which you may find online.
Determine in which category your disability falls based on the Bluebook identifications. Always check to determine if your condition is a “Listed Impairment.”
The Listing of Impairments describes, for each major body system, impairments considered severe enough to prevent an individual from doing any gainful activity (or in the case of children under age 18 applying for SSI, severe enough to cause marked and severe functional limitations).
Most of the listed impairments are permanent or expected to result in death, or the listing includes a specific statement of duration is made.
For all other listings, the evidence must show that the impairment has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months. The criteria in the Listing of Impairments are applicable to evaluation of claims for disability benefits under the Social Security disability insurance program or payments under both the SSI program.
SSRs or historical Social Security Rulings are published and may be based on case decisions made at all administrative levels of adjudication, Federal court decisions, Commissioner’s decisions, opinions of the Office of the General Counsel, and policy interpretations of the law and regulations.