In
Social Security disability cases, decision makers will often deny a
claim on the supposition that the claimant can still perform unskilled,
sedentary work--the easiest type of work from both a physical and mental perspective. While unskilled, sedentary jobs are rare in the US economy, some vocational experts will argue that they exist. Examples of such jobs might be a
surveillance system monitor, or a document preparer.
All
work has mental as well as physical demands. The mental demands of
unskilled sedentary work are defined by SSR 96-9p and SSR 85-15. Those
demands include the abilities (on a sustained basis) to understand,
carry out, and remember simple instructions; to respond appropriately to
supervision, coworkers, and usual work situations; and to deal with
changes in a routine work setting.
The
loss of any of the above abilities will substantially erode the
occupational base for sedentary, unskilled work and will, therefore,
justify a finding of disability.
Note
that in order to work, a person must be able to meet the mental demands
of full time, remunerative work "on a sustained basis." A sustained
basis means 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, or an equivalent schedule.
The
customary breaks that would be afforded during full-time unskilled work
would be two 15 minute breaks and a 30 minute lunch (meal) break during
an 8 hour work day. If additional breaks are required due to a
physical or mental impairment, that may very well erode the occupational
base and justify a finding of disability. Other factors that could
erode the occupational base would be excessive absences (more than 1 or 2
days per month), being off task for an excessive amount of time during
the day, or being unable to deal with changes in a routine work setting.
These
allegations must be supported by objective medical evidence. It is
helpful if a treating doctor or medical professional acceptable to
Social Security provides additional opinion evidence as to the existence
of and severity of any limitations.
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