When applying for Social Security Disability benefits in West Virginia, it is necessary to show an inability to work for at least the next 12 months. However, this does not mean that applicants cannot work at all. Instead, they must stay below the substantially gainful activity level. Of course, merely not going to work for a period of time doesn’t necessarily meet the threshold for obtaining benefits either.
Whether or not a person gets benefits depends on the results of an examination. An examiner will review a person’s work and medical history to determine the severity of the physical or mental impairment. An examiner will also look to see if an individual could do any type of work despite the physical or mental issue. This may include any job that a person is suited for or any job that he or she has done in the past.
Applicants can help their cause by providing as much information as possible with their application. Individuals applying for benefits should provide accurate titles and descriptions for any jobs that they have had. Furthermore, an applicant will want to provide detailed medical information such as the name of a doctor or the name of a medication taken for a given condition.
Those who were injured in a work accident may be entitled to SSD benefits. A legal representative may be able to help an individual gather evidence to support the claim for benefits. Information may include statements from a doctor or from an applicant’s family or friends.