These maps and the previous day's graph suggest correlations between disability and education and disablility and age. What they actually demonstrate is the effects of the grid rules, which require a much higher threshold to be determined as "disabled" at 45 with a bachelor's degree than at 50 with a high school diploma, even with identical work histories. The bar gets lower at 55 and 60 and with less education!
Your point about the grid rules deserves consideration regarding the charts in question, which track Social Security Disability rates which are of course effected by the medical vocational rules.
However, there is a large body of evidence outside of the SSA disability determination arena that shows a relation between the later age categories and increased physical and mental functional limitation. Also, it would be silly to argue that a low education does not significantly limit ability to work, especially if you are looking exclusively at a group that already has at least one severe medical impairment likely to interfere with work.
There is absolutely no difference at any age in the grid rules between a bachelor's degree and a high school education. The difference between age 45 and 50 would occur between one who is illiterate or unable to speak English and one who has a marginal Orr higher level of education. More consideration is given to inability to speak English so a university professor from a non-English speaking country might be allowed while a person with a 4th grade education in the US would be denied..if both were limited to sedentary and had past light jobs for example.
If they learned English on their own they are still disabled unless there is improvement in their medical situation. If they learned English through a vocational or educational program that could be considered a MIRS exception. Actual sedentary work would not result in a cessation because work performed during a period of disability is not considered relevant.
Lindav: My point was that the threshold is much higher with both age and education. But, DDS will argue you can do SOMETHING with a Sedentary RFC at age 45 with a college degree even if you worked as a clerk at a convenience store or as a forklift driver, even if they admit you also have limitations with your hands and shoulders as well.
These maps and the previous day's graph suggest correlations between disability and education and disablility and age. What they actually demonstrate is the effects of the grid rules, which require a much higher threshold to be determined as "disabled" at 45 with a bachelor's degree than at 50 with a high school diploma, even with identical work histories. The bar gets lower at 55 and 60 and with less education!
ReplyDeleteYour point about the grid rules deserves consideration regarding the charts in question, which track Social Security Disability rates which are of course effected by the medical vocational rules.
ReplyDeleteHowever, there is a large body of evidence outside of the SSA disability determination arena that shows a relation between the later age categories and increased physical and mental functional limitation. Also, it would be silly to argue that a low education does not significantly limit ability to work, especially if you are looking exclusively at a group that already has at least one severe medical impairment likely to interfere with work.
There is absolutely no difference at any age in the grid rules between a bachelor's degree and a high school education. The difference between age 45 and 50 would occur between one who is illiterate or unable to speak English and one who has a marginal Orr higher level of education. More consideration is given to inability to speak English so a university professor from a non-English speaking country might be allowed while a person with a 4th grade education in the US would be denied..if both were limited to sedentary and had past light jobs for example.
ReplyDeleteSo once that learn English, since they love here now, they are no longer disabled?
DeleteIf they learned English on their own they are still disabled unless there is improvement in their medical situation. If they learned English through a vocational or educational program that could be considered a MIRS exception. Actual sedentary work would not result in a cessation because work performed during a period of disability is not considered relevant.
ReplyDeleteWhat's wrong with this country? My goodness.
DeleteLindav: My point was that the threshold is much higher with both age and education. But, DDS will argue you can do SOMETHING with a Sedentary RFC at age 45 with a college degree even if you worked as a clerk at a convenience store or as a forklift driver, even if they admit you also have limitations with your hands and shoulders as well.
ReplyDeletenot if you have significant limitations with your hands and there is no differentiation between HS and college.
ReplyDelete