The Social Security Administration recognizes that persons over the age of 50 may not adjust to new careers or types of work as easily. Therefore, they use Medical-Vocational Guidelines to make disability benefit approval easier in some cases.
These guidelines take into consideration more than the claimant's medical condition and limitations. They also consider age, education and past work experience.
I recently had a hearing with a 55 year-old individual who is not able to continue working at a job she has held for more than 25 years. With a younger individual, the judge might have found that she could adjust to new, less demanding work and denied benefits. In this case, the judge found that Medical-Vocational Guideline 201.10 directed a finding of disability, and approved benefits.
Social Security disability is terribly complex and challenging. I encourage you to seek out a reputable advocate who will seek ways to use the law to get the benefits you are entitled to. Remember, at my firm there is never a fee for an initial consultation. There are numerous professionals here in North Alabama that operate on the same principle. Seek out one of them.
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