On this day in 2008, I published a post on this blog titled “Disability is Functionality.” All these years later, it remains true.

Claimants often are surprised to learn that their disability applications were denied even though their doctors provided a letter stating that their patient is disabled, or their medical records show that they have a severe medical condition. However, disability decisions are primarily based upon an individual’s functional capacity rather than a diagnosis.

To establish disability, a person must establish the functional limitations they experience due their diagnosed conditions, and that those limitations prevent ongoing work. Social Security will not connect the dots between a particular diagnosis and the ability to work. It is the claimant’s burden to prove.