Understanding Permanent Disability Ratings and Their Impact on SSDI Claims

Navigating Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims can be challenging, especially when it comes to permanent disability ratings.

Our experienced Johnson & Biscone lawyers can help you understand this critical component of SSDI claims and guide you through the claim filing process so you can confidently move forward.

What Are Permanent Disability Ratings?

PPermanent disability ratings, or sometimes known as permanent impairment ratings, help determine your qualification for SSDI benefits.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses these ratings to understand how your condition limits your daily activities and ability to work. They measure how severe your disability is and how it impacts your current and future work capabilities.

How Are Permanent Disability Ratings Determined in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, permanent disability ratings are determined through a structured evaluation process. Here are the essential steps:

• Medical Examination and Evidence: A qualified healthcare provider conducts a thorough medical exam to document the nature and extent of your disability.
• Medical Records Review: Comprehensive medical records, including treatment history and diagnostic tests, are reviewed and provide evidence of the disability’s severity and duration.
• Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE): An FCE assesses your ability to perform work-related tasks and measures physical capabilities like strength, endurance and range of motion.
• Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Assessment: This assessment examines how disabilities affect daily activities. Examples include dressing, bathing and cooking.
• Review of Symptom Consistency: Evaluators check for consistent documentation of symptoms over time, including ongoing medical appointments and treatments.
• Review of Condition Stability: The condition must be stable and unlikely to improve with further treatment to get a permanent disability rating.
• Review of Disability Rating Guides: Oklahoma follows guidelines from the American Medical Association’s (AMA) Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. This document provides criteria for rating impairments.
• Impairment Rating Calculation: The healthcare provider uses the AMA guides to assign a percentage rating that reflects the level of impairment.
• Review by the SSA: The SSA reviews the gathered evidence and impairment rating to determine eligibility for SSDI benefits. They consider the gravity of the disability and its impact on the ability to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA).

The Impact of Permanent Disability Ratings on SSDI Claims

Permanent disability ratings significantly impact SSDI claims in several ways.

For example, these ratings determine the seriousness of your impairment. A higher rating indicates a greater level of impairment. This influences whether you meet the SSA’s definition of disability.

The disability rating can also affect the number of benefits you receive.

SSDI benefits are mainly based on your earnings history. However, the severity of your disability can influence supplementary benefits and eligibility for certain programs.

The Importance of Legal Assistance

Consulting an experienced attorney can make a notable difference in navigating the SSDI claims process. 

Our team at Johnson & Biscone has the expertise to guide you through the complexities of permanent disability ratings. We help you gather the necessary documentation, understand evaluation criteria and advocate for your rights to ensure your claim is accurately represented.

Schedule a Consultation in Oklahoma City

If you are struggling with your SSDI claim or need clarity on your permanent disability rating, contact Johnson & Biscone today. 

Schedule a case review with our knowledgeable attorneys to ensure your claim is handled with care and expertise. Call us at (405) 232-6490.