“Extreme” Limitations in Childhood SSI Cases
In childhood SSI claims, the claimant must show she has an impairment or combination of impairments that meets or equals an impairment listed in Subpart P, Appendix 1 of 20 C.F.R. Pt. 404. If a listing is not met, disability can nonetheless be established if the impairment is medically or functionally equivalent by having “marked” limitations in two domains of functioning or “extreme” limitations in one domain of functioning.
Social Security regulations explain that a child has an “extreme” limitation in a domain when his impairment(s) interferes “very seriously” with his ability to independently initiate, sustain, or complete activities. A child’s day-to-day functioning may be very seriously limited when his impairment(s) limits only one activity or when the interactive and cumulative effects of his impairments(s) limit several activities. The regulations also explain that an “extreme” limitation also means:
1. A limitation that is “more than marked.”
2. The equivalent of functioning that would be expected on standardized testing with scores that are at least three standard deviations below the mean.
3. A valid score that is three standard deviations or more below the mean on a comprehensive standardized test designed to measure ability or functioning in that domain, and his day-to-day functioning in domain-related activities is consistent with that score.
4. For the domain of health and physical well-being, episodes of illness or exacerbations that result in significant, documented symptoms or signs substantially in excess of the requirements for showing a “marked” limitation.
If you need more information about a Social Security Disability/SSI matter, personal injury matter, EEOICPA claim, long or short-term disability, or a workers compensation matter, please contact the Law Offices of Tony Farmer and John Dreiser for a free case evaluation. We can be reached at (865) 584-1211 or (800) 806-4611, through Facebook, or through our website. Our office handles claims throughout East Tennessee, including Knoxville, Chattanooga, Kingsport, Bristol, Johnson City, Morristown, Maryville, Rogersville, Dandridge, Tazewell, New Tazewell, Jefferson City, Strawberry Plains, Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Loudon, Kingston, Halls, Maynardville, Crossville, Cookeville, Jamestown, Sweetwater, Lenoir City, Athens, Oak Ridge, Clinton, LaFollette, Lake City, Jacksboro, Bean Station, Cosby, Newport, White Pine, Mosheim, Wartburg, Sunbright, Pigeon Forge, and Deer Lodge.