Going through your life with a condition that affects your skeletal spine, joints or muscles is challenging, to say the least. Patients must live with pain and limited mobility, and many musculoskeletal disorders get progressively worse over time.
For most, there comes a day when you realize you cannot work with your disorder any longer. When this day comes for you, it is probably time to see if your condition qualifies you to receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.
Which musculoskeletal disorders qualify?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains a comprehensive list of conditions covered by SSD, including musculoskeletal disorders affecting your ability to perform your job duties. Some of these qualifying disorders include the following.
- Amputations. Most upper and lower extremity amputations qualify for SSD.
- Fractures. A simple broken wrist will likely not qualify for SSD. However, complex and nonhealing fractures are typically eligible.
- Joint dysfunction. Severe joint problems such as those that cause deformity or extreme pain may be eligible for SSD.
- Spine disorders. Many disorders that affect the spine qualify for benefits. For example, spinal deformities and severe issues with the spine’s disks commonly qualify.
- Soft tissue injuries. Soft tissue abnormalities and injuries that require ongoing surgical management are often eligible for SSD.
Discovering that you may have a qualifying musculoskeletal disorder is the first step on your path to SSD benefits. Your next steps involve gathering evidence and documentation to support your claim. Many residents of Sacramento, California, have found it easier to complete these steps with legal guidance.
Learning more about SSD laws and regulations can strengthen your claim and ensure your rights remain protected.