Law Offices of Daniel Berger2026-07-10T15:28:07Zhttps://www.nydisability.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1303280/2023/02/cropped-site-icon-DB-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Law Offices of Daniel Berger<![CDATA[Can fibromyalgia qualify you for disability benefits in New York?]]>https://www.nydisability.com/?p=495012026-07-08T08:20:45Z2026-07-08T07:58:55Z with fibromyalgia can affect almost every part of your daily life. Ongoing pain, extreme fatigue and trouble thinking clearly may make it hard to keep a job or finish everyday tasks. If your symptoms keep you from working, you may wonder if you could qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Although fibromyalgia can be difficult to prove, strong medical records may help support your claim.
How does the Social Security Administration review fibromyalgia?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) may consider fibromyalgia a qualifying condition for disability benefits when your claim meets the requirements outlined in Social Security Ruling (SSR) 12-2p. However, standard X-rays, blood tests and magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) usually do not confirm the condition. Because of this, the SSA often looks closely at your medical records and your doctor's findings.Your records may carry more weight if they show that your symptoms have continued over time, even with treatment. Regular medical care may also help show how fibromyalgia affects your ability to work and manage daily life.
What medical evidence could strengthen your claim?
Your claim may become stronger when your medical records clearly explain your condition and how it affects your daily life. Helpful evidence may include:
Medical records from your primary care doctor, rheumatologist or pain specialist.
Tender point exam results or other findings that support your diagnosis.
Treatment records showing your medications, therapy and other treatments.
Symptom journals that track your pain, fatigue and daily struggles.
Statements from family members or caregivers that describe how your condition affects your everyday activities.
Together, these records may give the SSA a better understanding of how fibromyalgia affects your ability to function.
Can fatigue and fibro fog affect disability eligibility?
Fibromyalgia often causes more than ongoing pain. Many people also deal with severe fatigue and memory or focus problems, often called "fibro fog." These symptoms may make it harder to stay on task, follow instructions or finish work throughout the day.When reviewing your claim, the SSA generally looks at the combined effect of all your symptoms to decide if you can still perform substantial work.If you live in New York, New York Social Services Law also recognizes disability when determining eligibility for the state's Medicaid program. Although this law does not decide whether you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, it shows that disability may affect your eligibility for certain health care benefits in New York.
Why do many fibromyalgia claims receive denials?
Many fibromyalgia claims receive denials because the available evidence does not clearly show how the condition limits a person's ability to work. Some common reasons include:
Gaps in medical treatment or follow up care.
Medical records that do not clearly connect your symptoms to your work limitations.
Limited evidence showing that your symptoms have lasted long enough to meet SSA requirements.
If the SSA denies your claim, you may still have the right to appeal. During the appeals process, you could submit more medical records or other evidence that better explains your condition and how it affects your daily life.
Building a stronger disability claim
Fibromyalgia can be difficult to prove because it does not appear on many standard medical tests. Even so, detailed medical records and proper legal advice may strengthen your fibromyalgia claim. Keeping up with your treatment and documenting how your symptoms affect your daily life could help the SSA better understand your condition and review your application more completely.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Daniel Berger<![CDATA[When is Sjögren’s syndrome disabling for SSD? ]]>https://www.nydisability.com/?p=495002026-07-04T21:37:27Z2026-07-04T21:37:27ZSjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder. It most commonly affects the glands in the body that produce tears and saliva, but it can also involve the joints, lungs, kidneys, nervous system and other organs – particularly in severe cases.
Not everyone with Sjögren's syndrome is unable to work, but the disease can be progressive. When symptoms become severe enough to interfere with your ability to perform your job on a regular basis, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
How Sjögren's syndrome can affect your ability to work
The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not decide disability claims based on a diagnosis alone. Instead, it considers how your condition limits your ability to perform work-related activities. Many people with the disorder experience symptoms that fluctuate over time. Periods of relative stability may be interrupted by flare-ups that increase fatigue, pain and other limitations.Depending on the severity of your symptoms, Sjögren's syndrome may make it difficult to:
Remain on your feet for extended periods because of joint pain or fatigue
Use your hands for repetitive tasks if joint inflammation affects your grip or dexterity
Maintain concentration because of fatigue or cognitive difficulties (or "brain fog")
Speak comfortably for long periods because of severe dry mouth
Work in environments where dry air, dust or other irritants worsen your symptoms
Maintain regular attendance because of unpredictable flare-ups or frequent medical appointments
Every disability claim is different. Medical evidence plays an important role in any SSDI claim, so treatment records from your rheumatologist, ophthalmologist and other specialists can help document your diagnosis, symptoms, responses to treatment and any complications affecting other your body’s other systems.Your medical records should also reflect how your symptoms affect your daily activities and your ability to work. The more clearly your functional limitations are documented, the easier it may be for the Social Security Administration to evaluate your claim. When speaking with your doctor, it is important to be specific about your limitations. Let your doctor know how often your symptoms affect your ability to function and to what degree. That will ultimately strengthen your case if you decide to file for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.
Understanding your legal options
Applying for SSD can be frustrating, especially when your symptoms are not always visible to others. If Sjögren's syndrome has made it impossible to continue working, an experienced Social Security Disability attorney can help you build the strongest claim possible. ]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Daniel Berger<![CDATA[Feeling depressed vs. depression as a disorder: What’s the difference?]]>https://www.nydisability.com/?p=494962026-06-24T01:59:06Z2026-06-24T01:59:06ZAlmost everybody, at some point in their lifetime, will experience periods of sadness. They may feel depressed for days or even weeks due to a romantic breakup, financial issues, illness or job loss, for example. While painful, those blue feelings are pretty normal.
Clinical depression, however, is different. Severe, pervasive depressive disorders are serious mental health disorders that can ultimately affect nearly every aspect of someone’s life. Sufferers can find themselves largely unable to care for themselves, handle routine daily activities and maintain regular employment.
Normal sadness is difficult but possible to manage
Feeling unhappy, sad or “down” is a reasonable response to difficult circumstances. Although the negative emotions someone feels with reactive depression may be intense, those suffering can generally still function, even if they do so with difficulty. They can usually still:
Go to work or school
Care for themselves and their families
Maintain relationships
Enjoy activities from time to time
Sadness related to a specific event often lessens over time, particularly with support from family and friends. As circumstances change or time begins to lessen their feelings of grief, those suffering ordinary depression will see a gradual improvement in their symptoms.
Major depressive disorder involves symptoms that are more severe, last longer and significantly interfere with daily life. Symptoms can include:
Persistent sadness or feelings of emptiness
Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
Significant changes in sleep or appetite
Fatigue or lack of energy
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
Thoughts of death or suicide
To be diagnosed with major depressive disorder, symptoms generally must persist for at least two weeks and represent a change from one’s previous level of functioning. If the symptoms continue for two years or longer, the condition is called persistent depressive disorder. In some cases, true depressive disorders may be associated with episodes of psychosis or be part of a bipolar disorder cycle. Other types of severe depression can include premenstrual dysphoric disorder, perinatal depression and perimenopausal depression.The reality is that “the blues,” no matter how intensely felt, are significantly different from true depression in terms of how it may affect a sufferer’s life. If you are unable to maintain regular employment because of a depressive disorder, you may qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). ]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Daniel Berger<![CDATA[Talking about the good days: Can you admit to them and get SSD?]]>https://www.nydisability.com/?p=494872026-06-05T15:48:51Z2026-06-05T15:48:51ZThere are a lot of medical conditions that fluctuate over time. Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, and central nervous system disorders, such as fibromyalgia, are a couple of examples. You may have days, weeks or even months when your symptoms are relatively manageable, followed by periods when working, concentrating or just managing your everyday tasks becomes extremely difficult.
Social Security understands that many medical conditions are variable – but the question is not whether you occasionally have a “good” period. The question is whether your condition prevents you from maintaining substantial gainful employment on a consistent basis.
Disability is about your inability to sustain work
There’s a common misconception that Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits are only available to people who are completely incapacitated every day. That is not how the system works.If your condition causes unpredictable absences, significant fatigue, pain, cognitive difficulties or other limitations that interfere with your ability to show up to work consistently, maintain your concentration and meet deadlines, that’s still disabling – even if you occasionally can function quite well. A single productive day, a family gathering or a brief improvement in symptoms does not necessarily mean you are capable of sustaining full-time work. If you aren’t able to work the equivalent of eight hours a day, five days a week, that’s significant and disabling.
Documentation is key to getting benefits approved
One of the biggest hurdles you face when applying for SSDI benefits with a chronic-but-variable condition is the need for documentation. It’s essential to regularly talk to your medical providers about how your condition affects you over time so that the whole picture starts to develop in your file. For example, if you experience a period where your lupus symptoms are less severe or your chronic pain is better controlled, that information belongs in your medical records. Likewise, your records should also reflect the flare-ups you experience, any worsening symptoms and the ways your condition affects your daily life. Complete and accurate records often provide a stronger picture than records that suggest symptoms never change. Applying for SSD benefits for a condition that fluctuates can be frustrating, especially when you are not sure how to answer questions about your functioning. Consultation with an experienced SSD attorney can help you better understand how to approach your claim and make it easier to secure the benefits you need. ]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Daniel Berger<![CDATA[4 tips for handling an SSD consultative exam]]>https://www.nydisability.com/?p=494852026-05-25T17:22:58Z2026-05-25T17:22:58ZFiling for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits is a stressful process, so few people welcome the news that they’re scheduled for a consultative exam with a strange doctor – but it is a common occurrence.
If that’s where you’re at, it’s critical to understand that a consultative exam is not like any other doctor’s appointment you’ve had. The doctor you’re about to see is not your doctor, and they have no intention or interest in treating you. They work for the state agency that makes disability determinations, and their sole function is to evaluate your condition and provide a report to the Social Security Administration. While this part of the SSD application process can be intimidating, knowing how to handle yourself during the appointment can make a big difference.
1. Consider why the exam was scheduled
A consultative exam does not automatically mean Social Security believes you are exaggerating your condition or that your claim will be denied. Most likely, your medical records are incomplete or outdated or there are conflicting medical opinions in the file. Focus on giving the consultative doctor clear details that will “fill in the gaps” that relate to the reason the exam was likely scheduled.
2. Be blunt and honest about your condition
Some applicants try to “push through” symptoms during the exam because they are embarrassed or worried about appearing weak. Others may unintentionally exaggerate symptoms due to stress or frustration. Neither approach is helpful. Describe your symptoms as accurately as possible, including:
What you experience on a typical day
How your condition affects daily activities
What tasks are difficult, especially when your condition flares
How long you can sit, stand or walk on an average day
Whether pain, fatigue, anxiety or concentration problems affect you
Specific examples are often more helpful than broad statements. It’s also perfectly acceptable (and often honest) to say that your condition varies from day to day. For example, if you have a back condition, you may feel better in the early morning after you have rested all night, but quickly have your condition deteriorate once you start to move around. If so, it is perfectly acceptable to admit that. That sort of information lends credibility to your claims.
3. Assume the doctor is coming in blind
It is wisest to assume that the physician doing the consultative exam has not read your entire file – or any of it. Be prepared to give a concise explanation of your medical conditions, symptoms, treatment history and current medications. Bring with you a list of hospitalizations, treating providers and a rough timeline that explains when you were diagnosed.
4. Recognize that you are probably being watched
Knowing that the evaluation starts before you even meet the doctor and keeping that fact in mind will put you one step ahead of most people. The staff at the doctor’s office is most likely observing how you walk, sit, communicate, process information and interact with others in the waiting room. Their observations will be written down and factored into the doctor’s report. This doesn’t mean you should “perform” or dramatize your symptoms. However, it does mean that you should not minimize your symptoms or hide your limitations. SSDI exams can feel very impersonal, incomplete and uncomfortable. The process is unfamiliar and the stakes are pretty high. It’s natural to worry that you’ll say the wrong thing or fail to explain your condition clearly. Good preparation ahead of the appointment can help reduce some of your anxiety and put you in a better position moving forward. A skilled SSDI attorney can also help you prepare and provide guidance that can make it easy for your claim to succeed. ]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Daniel Berger<![CDATA[The physical symptoms of anxiety: It’s not all in your head]]>https://www.nydisability.com/?p=494772026-05-09T17:29:09Z2026-05-09T17:29:09ZOne of the most frustrating parts of living with anxiety can be hearing that symptoms are “just stress” or “all in your head.” In reality, anxiety can manifest in numerous physical ways that impact nearly every part of a person’s life.
For some people, those symptoms can become severe enough to interfere with their ability to maintain employment or complete ordinary tasks. And it is not possible to simply think your way out of them or turn them off on command.
Anxiety can be a whole-body disorder
When someone experiences anxiety, the body’s autonomic nervous system activates its “fight or flight” response. This response is designed to protect people from danger, but when it remains activated for long periods of time, it can take a serious physical toll.Common physical symptoms of anxiety may include:
Rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations
Chest pain
Muscle tension and body aches
Headaches or migraines
Fatigue
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Shortness of breath
Sweating or trembling
Nausea and digestive problems
Insomnia or disrupted sleep
Some people experience physical symptoms tied to anxiety that are so intense they believe they are having a heart attack or another medical emergency. Others may struggle with chronic exhaustion because their bodies remain in a constant state of stress.The physical symptoms of anxiety can make it difficult to handle even routine activities, let alone maintain regular employment. Concentration problems and difficulty interacting with others is a major impediment in most occupations. In addition, anxiety can make consistent attendance at work impossible.
Anxiety and disability benefits
People applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits sometimes worry that their anxiety disorder will not be taken seriously because it is considered a mental health condition. However, anxiety disorders do qualify for benefits when symptoms are severe and well-documented.Medical records play a major role in these claims. Documentation from doctors and therapists can demonstrate how anxiety affects someone’s mental functioning and physical health. It is important, too, for SSD applicants to list any overlapping or comorbid conditions in their claim, as well. This includes common concurrent disorders such as depression, chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues or cardiovascular problems that cause additional limitations. Anxiety disorders are legitimate medical conditions. The body and nervous system are deeply connected, which means chronic stress and anxiety can trigger physical reactions that are difficult to ignore and even harder to control. If you’re having difficulty obtaining the disability benefits you need, experienced legal guidance can help.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Daniel Berger<![CDATA[Can younger adults qualify for New York SSD with lupus?]]>https://www.nydisability.com/?p=494742026-05-05T10:05:08Z2026-05-05T09:57:50Z with lupus can raise real concerns about your ability to keep working, especially when symptoms like fatigue, joint pain or flares interrupt daily routines. If you are a younger adult in New York, you might wonder if age makes it harder to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. While age can factor into the review, it does not, on its own, decide the outcome.
How is age considered in your claim?
The Social Security Administration follows a step by step process when reviewing disability claims. For applicants under age 50, the review often includes a closer look at whether you could adjust to other types of work despite your medical condition.That said, age does not stand alone. The agency also weighs medical records, work history and how your condition affects your daily functioning. If your lupus causes significant limits, you may still qualify even if you are younger.
What medical proof you may need?
Strong medical documentation often plays a central role in your claim. The Social Security Administration reviews conditions like lupus under its medical guidelines, which focus on how seriously the condition affects your body and daily life.You might strengthen your application with records that show:
Ongoing symptoms such as fatigue, fever or weight changes
Involvement of multiple body systems, such as joints, kidneys or lungs
Limits on daily tasks like cooking, cleaning or working consistently
Regular treatment notes from your specialist and lab results
These details help show how lupus affects both your health and your ability to maintain steady work.
How work limits affect eligibility?
If your condition does not match a specific listing, the review may shift to what you can still do in a work setting. This step often matters for younger applicants because it focuses on your remaining abilities.You may need to show limits such as:
Needing rest breaks during the day due to flare ups
Trouble sitting, standing or walking for long periods
Difficulty focusing because of pain or fatigue
Missing work frequently due to medical needs
When these limits appear clearly in your records, they may help explain why regular employment could be difficult to sustain.
Strengthening your New York claim
Younger adults in New York often face a detailed review, but age does not prevent eligibility. The focus usually stays on medical evidence and real world limits. A consistent treatment history and clear records of how lupus affects your stamina and daily life can help present a fuller picture of your SSD benefits.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Daniel Berger<![CDATA[Surveillance and SSDI: Is somebody watching you?]]>https://www.nydisability.com/?p=494712026-04-25T21:27:29Z2026-04-25T21:27:29ZHave you filed a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim or appeal? If you get the feeling that somebody is watching you, you may not be wrong.
Surveillance of one kind or another is par for the course in most SSDI claims. While nobody is likely to be following you around town or sitting outside your home with a long-distance lens and a camera, there are times you are probably going to be watched.
When you’re online
The Social Security Administration does not officially use social media (with some exceptions) as part of the initial disability evaluation process, despite calls to do so. That does not mean your online activity is entirely irrelevant, however. If something is publicly available, it can be seen. Disability examiners are human. A casual search could show a photo, video or some post that appears inconsistent with your reported limitations. Even though a post never tells the whole story, it isn’t worth the risk.
When you’re at a consultative exam
If Social Security needs more information, you may be scheduled for a consultative exam. These are not typical medical appointments. They are evaluations, and in many ways, they function more like an investigation.From the moment you arrive, you should assume you are on record. That includes how you walk into the building, how you sit in the waiting room, how you interact with staff and what you say to others, even in casual conversation. The receptionist may be making notes. The doctor is evaluating not just your condition, but your presentation and consistency.You should also assume that observation does not stop when the exam ends. How you move through the parking lot, whether you appear to struggle with mobility and how you handle routine tasks can all be noticed, written down and made part of your disability evaluation.This does not mean you should act differently than you normally would. It means you should be aware that the evaluation starts before you are called back and may continue after you leave.
When you’re at SSA
Even a visit to your local Social Security office can become part of your file. SSA claims representatives are allowed (and expected) to document their observations and pass that information along to the disability examiner handling your case. That can include how you communicate, whether you appear confused or focused, what physical problems you seem to have and any statements you make about your daily activities.These notes are not usually the deciding factor in a case, but they can contribute to the overall picture of how your condition affects you. Being aware of how the process works can help you avoid misunderstandings and present your claim as clearly and accurately as possible. If you have questions about your SSDI claim or how it may be evaluated, an experienced attorney can help you understand what to expect and how to move forward.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Daniel Berger<![CDATA[4 ways to strengthen an SSDI claim for back injuries]]>https://www.nydisability.com/?p=494662026-04-14T03:22:18Z2026-04-14T03:22:18ZBack injuries and spinal disorders are some of the most common reasons people apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). They’re also among the most difficult claims to prove. Even when a back injury shows up on imaging tests, the diagnosis doesn’t always equate to an inability to work in a Social Security Disability Examiner’s mind.
Because of that, you need your medical records to give a clear picture of exactly how your back condition affects your ability to function. Here are four ways you can strengthen your case:
1. Get consistent treatment
Regular, ongoing care is essential to any disability claim, but it is particularly important with back conditions, including herniated discs, degenerative disc disease and the like. Consistent treatment helps establish the fact that your condition is ongoing and highly problematic, not temporary or something that you can manage on your own. Visits with your primary care physician, orthopedic doctor, pain management and/or physical therapist all point to the fact that you’re experiencing real, lasting pain that negatively affects your life. Conversely, gaps in treatment can make SSA question whether your pain is as limiting as you claim.
2. Make sure your medical records tell the full story
You may have plenty of X-rays, MRIs and other imaging tests that reveal the source of your back trouble, but you need to connect those images to your symptoms and limitations. Most medical records focus on diagnosis and treatment, not on how your condition actually affects you.At every visit, talk to your doctor about your actual symptoms. For example, you may need to mention things like pain that radiates into your legs, numbness or tingling in your feet or hands, muscle weakness or difficulty walking and standing. Unless you bring these topics up, your doctor may fail to include them in their office notes – and that’s a critical flaw in your records.
3. Know how to talk about your condition
Telling your doctor that you have “chronic back pain” is vague, nonspecific information that might be enough to satisfy their purposes – but it doesn’t do much for your SSDI claim. When you talk with your doctors about your condition, learn to include information about your functional limitations, such as the fact that you:
Can’t sit for more than an hour or two without changing positions or lying down
Have significant difficulty standing for more than a few minutes
Struggle to lift even a jug of milk or can’t get up off the floor unassisted
Frequently need to lie down during the day because of pain and fatigue
Your doctors will usually note down what you tell them, and those details speak volumes in a disability claim.
4. Track your flare-ups
Any condition that involves chronic pain is going to ebb and flow, and back conditions are no exception. You’re going to have good days and bad days. Keeping a journal that documents your pain and other symptoms lends more strength to your claim. You can track your pain levels and note what triggers symptoms, note down the events you had to skip or the things you had to ask for help with because of pain and even keep track of how well various treatments work. Take these notes with you to your doctors’ appointments so they can be added to your chart.Many valid SSDI claims are denied simply because they are not presented the “right” way. An experienced SSDI attorney knows what evidence needs to be gathered, how information should be framed and where SSA’s vocational experts can be challenged. Having a professional guide your application or appeal can vastly improve your chances of success.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Daniel Berger<![CDATA[Can ADHD worsen with age?]]>https://www.nydisability.com/?p=494652026-03-30T15:46:25Z2026-03-30T15:46:25ZAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often thought of as a childhood condition that affects learning and socialization, but for many adults, symptoms do not fade with time. In fact, they can become more disruptive and harder to manage as someone ages. For individuals seeking Social Security Disability benefits, understanding why ADHD may feel worse in adulthood can help explain how the condition affects their daily functioning and ability to work.
Increased responsibilities and cognitive loads can expose limitations
As people age, life becomes more complex. Childhood and adolescence typically come with built-in structures such as school schedules, parental guidance, and limited responsibilities. Adulthood, by contrast, requires individuals to manage multiple competing demands at once.Work expectations, deadlines, financial responsibilities, and household management all require strong executive functioning skills. For someone with ADHD, these demands can quickly become overwhelming.This may show up as:
Difficulty completing tasks on time or at all
Trouble staying organized in a work setting
Frequent mistakes or missed details
Inability to manage competing priorities
Even individuals who previously handled their ADHD well may find that they can no longer keep up as expectations increase, especially given that executive functioning demands tend to be higher in the workplace. ADHD can manifest as inconsistent focus and productivity, difficulty following through on assignments, problems with time management and a lack of adaptability.
Brain chemistry changes and fading coping skills are a problem
A lot of people with ADHD develop coping skills that help them manage their symptoms earlier in life. Those may rely on structured environments that are provided for them in school, external reminders and support from others.As life becomes more complex, those strategies may no longer be enough. What once worked in school or early employment may fail under the pressure of long-term responsibilities. This can create the impression that ADHD has suddenly worsened, when in reality, the individual’s environment has outpaced their ability to compensate.In addition, natural changes in brain chemistry that occur with age can make it much harder for adults to compensate for their condition. Increased mental fatigue can manifest as a reduced ability to initiate or complete tasks and a greater problem concentrating.
Concurrent conditions can intensify ADHD symptoms
Finally, adults with ADHD often experience additional conditions such as anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders. These can significantly amplify attention difficulties and emotional regulation challenges. For example, anxiety can also make it harder to focus or complete tasks and depression can reduce motivation and energy. The physical issues many older adults start to develop, such as chronic pain due to back injuries or arthritis, also become part of someone’s cognitive load – and detract from the energy they need to try to manage their ADHD. When these conditions overlap, they can further limit a person’s ability to function in a work setting.Social Security does not evaluate ADHD based solely on diagnosis. Instead, the focus is on how symptoms affect functional capacity, particularly in a work environment. ADHD in adulthood is not simply a matter of distraction or disorganization. It is a persistent condition that can significantly impair someone’s ability to function in an ordinary work environment. Experienced legal guidance can make it easier, however, for someone to frame their experiences in a way that shows Social Security that their condition (or combination of conditions) is genuinely disabling. ]]>