In step 3 of the sequential evaluation process, what aspect is evaluated?

The evaluation of how severe your impairment is focuses on the medical severity of an individual's condition during step 3 of the sequential evaluation process. This step is critical because it determines whether the impairment meets the criteria set forth in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) listings of impairments. If an individual's impairment is found to be severe enough to significantly limit their ability to perform basic work activities, it may qualify them for disability benefits.

In this step, evaluators consider whether the impairment meets or equals a listing in the SSA’s blue book, which details specific medical criteria. This determination helps establish the foundation for further assessment in the evaluation process. By understanding the severity of the impairment as the first part of step 3, it sets the stage for the next steps wherein the individual's ability to work and perform past job functions is assessed.

The other aspects mentioned, such as job history, capability to perform past work, and age, come into play later in the sequential evaluation process and are not the primary focus of step 3. Thus, assessing the severity of the impairment is key to determining eligibility for benefits at this stage.