To qualify for Social Security disability benefits if you are under the age of 50, you will likely need to prove you cannot perform most sedentary jobs. Sedentary work is the physically easiest type of work recognized by the Social Security Administration. Even so, sedentary jobs require the ability to sit for extended periods and do some walking and standing. As discussed in the previous post, sitting, walking, and standing limitations can significantly reduce the number of sedentary jobs you can perform.
Sedentary jobs also typically require a certain capacity to manipulate objects with the hands and fingers. Proof that you lack the requisite dexterity can help to establish that there are few sedentary jobs that you can perform.
Specifically, most unskilled sedentary jobs require bilateral manual dexterity, in other words, good use of both hands and fingers. To accomplish fine movements of small objects, you need use of the fingers to pick or pinch.
Most unskilled sedentary jobs also require good use of the hands and fingers for repetitive hand-finger actions. Any significant limitation of your ability to handle and work with small objects with both hands will significantly limit the number of unskilled sedentary jobs you can do.
Likewise, the ability to reach and handle is required in almost all jobs. Reaching is extending the hands and arms in any direction and handling means seizing, holding, grasping, turning or otherwise working primarily with the whole hand or hands. Significant limitations in your ability to reaching or handling, therefore, may eliminate a large number of occupations you could otherwise perform.
An Ocala disability lawyer can help assess your manipulative limitations and their impact on your ability to work. Contact experienced Ocala Social Security disability attorney Claudeth J. Henry for a free evaluation of your claim. Fill out the form on this page or phone (352) 304-5300 if you prefer.