I recently received this question from someone who saw my video about the grid rules and asked an interesting question about what evidence he would need to prevail in a grid rule argument claim:
Here is my situation: I am 55, with no skills, and less than a high school education (and no GED). I have only done part time work in the past 15 years, and the last work I did was unskilled work at the medium level. I have several problems:
- I have traumatic brain injury, but there is no supporting medical evidence, tests or other proof
- I have a hip and back injury
- I have chest pains
If the grid rules say I quality for SSI based on my age, education, work history and skill level, will I still have to present medical evidence to prove that I have some or all of my health problems?
Here are my thoughts: the grid rules do require proof of a physical impairment that causes some reduction in your exertional capacity. In other words, to meet one of the grid rules, you will need evidence to prove that your functional capacity has been reduced to sedentary or light work. So you cannot simply walk into a hearing room and ask for disability based on your age, education and status as an unskilled worker. You will have to present some medical evidence (ideally from a treating physician) that explains why your exertional capacity is now light or sedentary. This would involve presenting medical records and test results (such as an MRI report and evaluation or a CT report and evaluation).
[Read more…] about What Evidence is Needed to Win a Decision based on the Grid Rules?