What does the definition of a disabling impairment specifically refer to?

A disabling impairment refers specifically to an impairment that limits an individual's ability to work. This definition is crucial in the context of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) as it focuses on the functional impact of the impairment on one’s capacity to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). To be deemed disabled under SSDI guidelines, a person must demonstrate that their impairment significantly interferes with their ability to perform work-related tasks.

In this context, limitations can arise from physical conditions (like severe arthritis), mental health issues (like severe depression), or a combination of both, provided they result in a substantial reduction in the individual's ability to perform basic work activities. The emphasis is less on the specific diagnosis or the temporary nature of an impairment and more on how that impairment affects the individual’s overall functional ability to maintain employment.

This distinction highlights why impairments that are fleeting, newly diagnosed, or solely necessitating hospitalization do not automatically qualify someone for SSDI benefits, as those factors alone do not directly assess the long-term impact on their ability to work.