What is a “severe impairment?”
The SSA defines this as an impairment that significantly limits a person’s ability to perform at least one work-related activity. Some examples:
- Sitting, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying;
- Hearing, speaking, seeing;
- Understanding others and following simple directions; and
- Interacting with coworkers and supervisors, and adjusting to changes in the workplace.
A “non-severe” impairment is defined as one that has no more than a minimal impact on a person’s ability to do the activities stated above while working.