Be Specific about your Limitations

I often counsel clients with a Social Security disability claim to be specific about their functional limitations. This is especially true at a Social Security disability hearing, where the administrative law judge will be trying to quantify your functional limitations to establish your RFC. It doesn't help the judge very much to say "I can't stand very long." But saying "after standing for 20 minutes my back pain forces me to sit or lie down for at least 10 minutes" is much more helpful.

Georgia Social Security disability lawyer Jonathan Ginsberg recently authored a post about how he prepares clients to testify at a disability hearing. Here is what he said about avoiding generalities and being specific about your limitations at a disability hearing:

When I ask you about your ability to perform various tasks - sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, stooping, climbing, etc., don't answer with generalities.  Saying "I can't walk very far" or "I can't lift very much" doesn't tell the judge anything.  Saying "I can only walk 50 yards before I have to stop and rest," or "it takes all my strength to carry a gallon of milk from the refrigerator to the table" does convey specific information that can be translated into a job requirement.

I completely agree.

Specific limitations will help you obtain Social Security disability benefits.