How Does Social Security Define Disability?

Disability is strictly defined by Social Security.  However, it can be summarized by five questions:
  1. Are you working?
  2. Do you have "severe" medical conditions that will last at least one year?
  3. Do your conditions meet one of Social Security's "Listings of Impairment?"
  4. Can you do work you have done in the past?
  5. Can you do any other kind of work?
Simply saying that you meet these criteria is not enough.  You will need medical evidence supporting your claim.  For that reason, it is important that you are open and honest with your doctors.  If your doctors understand your medical conditions, they can provide you with the best possible treatment, and provide Social Security with the most accurate information.