Social Security has a number of policy rulings that expand upon the regulations contained in the CFR. Social Security Rulings 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.
Anyone serious about representing clients before the…
Social Security published today new Ruling 12-02p, which is called “Title II and XVI: Evaluation of Fibromyalgia.”
Upon first read, the ruling seems to raise the bar for fibromyalgia as a medically determinable impairment. The ruling states:
We cannot rely upon the physician’s diagnosis alone. The evidence must document that the physician reviewed
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I write regularly about the importance of medical opinion evidence in a Social Security disability claim. Hopefully a treating doctor’s opinion helps to persuade the judge that you are disabled.
Whether or not the administrative law judge (ALJ) is persuaded to allow your claim for disability benefits, a treating source opinion triggers certain requirements for…
Social Security Ruling 11-1p, entitled "Titles II and XVI: Procedures for Handling Requests to File Subsequent Applications for Disability Benefits" was published today in the Federal Register.
The Ruling prohibits a new application for benefits while a prior claim of the same title and benefit type is at the Appeals Council. This is a change in…
Social Security Ruling 96-8p is a cornerstone ruling when it comes to the factors that must be considered for a claimant’s residual functional capacity. I reread the Ruling every now and then, and always gain an additional insight.
The Ruling is especially helpful in the area of “full-time work.” Often a person is disabled because…
