SSA defines “severe impairment” as any medically documented physical or mental impairment that
Has significantly impacted, or is likely to significantly impact, an individual’s ability to perform basic work functions (e.g., Sit/Stand, Push/Pull, Understand/Remember, etc.)
Has lasted, or is likely to last, 12 months or more.
The threshold is low at this step and it is typically easy to prove that you have a severe impairment. You must have one or more severe impairments for your claim to proceed.