Partially favorable means that SSA disagreed with your alleged date of onset of disability and found you disabled at a date later than you had stated. Generally, it means you were not eligible as of the date you applied but your condition worsened. That is a partially favorable decision. A fully favorable decision is that SSA found that you were disabled as of the date you alleged and you are paid retroactive benefits (after the waiting period). Neither has anything to do with the listing of all of your ailments and conditions.

If SSA can find you disabled because of schizophrenia, they don't need to make a decision about your degenerative disc disorder. If SSA can find you disabled because of your lung cancer, they don't need to make a decision about your depression or shoulder injury.

However, SSA may make a finding of disability because of a combination of conditions if each type prevents you from being able to do work related activity. A physical problem can limit your ability to walk, stand, lift, carry, etc. A mental problem can limit your ability to follow directions or interact appropriately with the public.

The electronic record contains one or two somewhat broad categories of diagnosis codes. The teleservice representative (1-800-772-1213) may be able to interpret them for you, but it will just be a couple of words describing a broad catergory.

I have (2) impairments ,both listed as severe. I started with one while the other one was a work in progress. I guess I am disabled with one or the other or both. Its all confusing too me. Both impairments prevent me from standing for long periods. Since I had a standing job(and I'm 56 yrs old) as long as I can't stand for 6 out of 8 hrs ,I'm disabled(I guess). It also mentioned ulnar neuropathy in my award letter but didn't list it as an impairment(severe or otherwise). I don't know if I'm disabled with that because its not listed as a reason for disability.

my letter never said FULLY or Patrcialy ? It just said your approved .. and how much my back pay is and monthly pay .. that was it oh and 5 to 7 yr review :)

Your letter should say it at the top of page one.

nope , but maybe each state is different .. just glad i am receiving my money :)

I called SSA on this matter because my award letter states that I am disabled with (2) severe impairments. According to them- I am disabled with one or the other or both. So they did find in judging a disability if there is more than one severe impairment. Now just plain impairments and combination of impairments,thats a different story.