UPDATE: How Do Concentration, Persistence, and Pace Affect SSD Claims?

 Posted on February 09, 2023 in Social Security disability

Update: As described below, the issue of "concentration, persistence, and pace" can play a significant role in determining whether a person's condition qualifies as a disability. When applying for Social Security disability benefits, a person may be able to show that they are unable to work in jobs they have held in the past or find employment in other jobs because they cannot concentrate on their work or continue working at the expected pace during the day. It can be helpful to understand the types of conditions for which concentration, persistence, and pace may be a factor when applying for Social Security disability benefits.

Some conditions where a person may be able to show that they qualify for disability benefits due to issues with concentration, persistence, and pace include:

• Mental health disorders - Diagnosed mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), behavioral disorders, or autism-spectrum disorders may cause a person to struggle to focus on work-related tasks, or they may only be able to work for short periods of time. To qualify for disability benefits, these issues must usually involve extreme limitations, and other criteria must be met as well.

• Musculoskeletal disorders - Spinal injuries or other disorders that result in weakness of the muscles may affect a person's ability to perform physical tasks. If these issues have resulted in an inability to continue performing work-related activities throughout the day, a person may be considered to be disabled. However, they will likely need to show that they have other specific types of limitations based on their diagnosis by a medical professional.

• Hematological disorders - Conditions such as anemia, hemophilia, or bone marrow disorders may result in complications such as fatigue and shortness of breath, which can affect a person's ability to maintain a consistent pace while working. If a person experiences limitations on their ability to complete tasks in a timely manner, their condition may be considered a disability.

Depending on the particular health condition, a variety of different limitations and issues must be taken into consideration to determine eligibility for disability benefits. To ensure that you understand your rights as an applicant and have the best possible chance of receiving Social Security disability benefits, it is best to work with an attorney who has experience in these types of cases. At Pearson Disability Law, LLC, we can help you during the disability application process, and we can advise you on how to proceed if disability benefits have been denied. Contact our Milwaukee Social Security disability lawyer at 414-240-4801 to discuss these issues in a free consultation.

There are many different health-related issues that may have an impact on a person’s ability to maintain employment. Those who have experienced serious medical conditions that have lasted for at least one year may be able to receive Social Security disability benefits. However, to qualify for benefits, a person will need to provide extensive evidence showing that their condition has caused them to be unable to perform work they had done in the past or any other forms of work that may fit their limitations. One issue that often plays a role in determining eligibility for disability is a person’s ability to maintain “concentration, persistence, and pace” while working. By understanding how Social Security addresses this issue and the types of limitations that may apply in these cases, an applicant can ensure that they are providing the necessary evidence to prove that they qualify for disability benefits.

Understanding Concentration, Persistence, and Pace

Multiple types of physical or mental conditions can affect a person’s ability to concentrate on their tasks and continue working at a regular pace throughout the day. These issues may affect a person’s ability to maintain employment, and they are a factor that should be considered when determining eligibility for disability benefits.

Typically, a person will need to show that they have a “marked” limitation on their ability to maintain concentration, persistence, and pace, meaning that they suffer from significant and serious effects that restrict their ability to perform work-related tasks appropriately and effectively. A person may be considered disabled if they struggle with issues such as:

• Difficulty starting and performing work-related tasks that they have done in the past and understand how to complete.

• An inability to complete tasks in an appropriate amount of time.

• Being easily distracted or unable to ignore issues that may take their attention away from completing work.

• An inability to shift to different activities or settings without disruptions.

• Problems working with others without causing distractions or interruptions.

• Difficulty maintaining regular attendance at work.

• An inability to maintain a consistent routine or work throughout the day without the need for regular periods of rest.

In many cases, a person will be considered disabled if issues related to concentration, persistence, and pace have reduced their productivity by at least 15 percent or if their condition would require them to take at least two unscheduled absences from work per month. However, depending on a person’s specific health conditions, they may also need to show that they suffer from other limitations that affect their physical or mental functioning, such as difficulty remembering or applying information, an inability to interact appropriately with others, or problems adapting to changes in the workplace.

Contact Our Waukesha County Social Security Disability Claim Lawyer

If you have experienced a physical injury or illness or a mental health condition that has affected your ability to maintain a consistent pace while working, Pearson Disability Law, LLC can help you understand whether you are eligible for SSD benefits. Attorney Pearson will work with you to provide the necessary information when applying for Social Security disability, or he can provide you with representation when appealing the denial of benefits. Contact our West Allis Social Security disability application attorney at 414-240-4801 to set up a complimentary consultation.

Sources:

https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/12.00-MentalDisorders-Adult.htm

http://media.ca7.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/rssExec.pl?Submit=Display&Path=Y2019/D02-08/C:18-2228:J:Brennan:aut:T:fnOp:N:2290875:S:0