The Work Historical past Report (SSA-3369) is a important a part of your incapacity declare. This type helps SSA consider whether or not your incapacity prevents you from doing all your previous work or adjusting to new kinds of work. The way you describe your job duties and work limitations can considerably impression SSA’s resolution, so it’s essential to be thorough and correct.
Why Element Issues within the Work Historical past Report
Your job historical past is greater than only a record of roles; it tells SSA how bodily and mentally demanding your work was, and why you may not carry out these duties as a result of your incapacity. For instance, should you have been a retail employee, merely saying “dealt with gross sales” doesn’t give SSA sufficient context. As an alternative, clarify that your job concerned standing for lengthy hours, lifting packing containers of stock, and coping with the stress of managing buyer complaints.
Being obscure or normal in your job descriptions can lead SSA to imagine that you simply’re nonetheless able to performing these duties, which could end in a denial. In distinction, offering detailed examples of how your situation impacts particular job duties permits SSA to see the complete scope of your limitations.
Claimants usually make the error of downplaying their work tasks, which may hurt their declare. To keep away from this, be particular about how duties like lifting, standing, or concentrating grew to become harder as your situation worsened.
Explaining Job Transitions and Modifications
In case your situation induced you to transition out of your job or request office lodging, it’s essential to elucidate this clearly on SSA-3369. This exhibits SSA how your capability to work declined over time and that even with changes, you may not carry out important job capabilities.
For instance, a nurse with continual again ache may need initially been moved to lighter duties, corresponding to administrative work, however finally discovered that even sitting at a desk induced ache. By detailing this transition and exhibiting that modifications weren’t sufficient, you assist SSA perceive the development of your incapacity.
One other frequent mistake is failing to say job modifications. Claimants typically assume that as a result of their employer allowed for sure lodging, SSA will see them as in a position to work. Nonetheless, explaining how even modified duties have been unmanageable strengthens your case.
Avoiding Frequent Errors on SSA-3369
Listed here are some pitfalls to be careful for when finishing your Work Historical past Report:
- Being too obscure: As an alternative of writing “desk job,” clarify how your administrative work concerned repetitive motions like typing, which worsened your carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Downplaying the bodily calls for of your job: In case your job concerned lifting 50-pound packing containers, don’t gloss over this element—it’s important in demonstrating how your situation limits your capability to work.
One other frequent error is assuming SSA understands the character of your work. Claimants typically write “gross sales” or “administration” with out explaining the bodily, psychological, or emotional toll their job took. All the time be particular, giving SSA a transparent image of the challenges you confronted.
How SSA Makes use of the Work Historical past Report
SSA cross-references your work historical past together with your medical information to evaluate whether or not you may return to your previous work or adapt to different work. If there’s any inconsistency between your work historical past and what your medical information say, SSA would possibly query the validity of your declare.
For instance, should you record job duties that concerned standing and heavy lifting however fail to point out how your again harm prevents you from standing for lengthy intervals, SSA might conclude you’re nonetheless in a position to carry out that work. Being constant in the way you describe your signs and work limitations is essential.
Working with an lawyer like DLG may help be certain that your medical information and work historical past report align completely. An skilled lawyer can even enable you to clarify job transitions, modifications, and different particulars that will not appear essential at first look however are important to constructing a robust case.
Finishing SSA-3369 is a important step in proving your incapacity declare. In the event you’re uncertain find out how to fill out the shape or need assistance organizing your work historical past, Incapacity Legislation Group is right here to help you. Contact their skilled workforce to make sure your work historical past displays your limitations and strengthens your declare.
