The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to people suffering from physical or mental impairment(s) including orthopedic issues. While Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits may provide financial relief, complicated federal regulations and application process makes winning SSDI or SSI benefits overly difficult. More than two-thirds of the applicants are denied disability benefits at the initial determination stage.
If you or a loved one suffers from an orthopedic issue that makes it impossible to work and earn a living, contacting an experienced orthopedic issues disability benefits lawyer at The Keener Law Firm may help qualify for the SSD benefits that you need and deserve. At our office, we can help you determine if you are eligible to win benefits for your orthopedic issue. You can rely on our expertise with both the initial claims and different levels of the SSD appeals process.
SSD benefits are available for a disabled applicant if the following two medical conditions are fulfilled:
Apart from the medical conditions, you must also prove that you meet the non-medical requirements prescribed by the SSA for winning SSDI or SSI benefits. In the case of SSDI, you must prove that you have worked long enough at a job or through self-employment and paid sufficient Social Security taxes to qualify for disability benefits.
In the case of SSI, you must prove that you are at least 65 or blind or disabled, and that you meet the income and resource limitations for SSI benefits.
The Listing of Impairments (also called the “Blue Book”) maintained by the SSA contains a list of medical conditions that are deemed disabling enough to qualify for SSD benefits.
The SSA considers orthopedic issues under Section 1.00 of the Blue Book, which refers to disabilities concerning the musculoskeletal system. It covers applicants suffering from the following:
Generally, those with orthopedic issues would find that their impairment is covered under the listing of “major dysfunction of joints.”
However, even if your disability does not fall under any of the categories, you can still prove your disability. At The Keener Law Firm, we can work with you or your doctors to determine whether you can prove your disabling condition through an assessment of your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC).
If you or a loved one suffers from a serious orthopedic issue that renders you unable to work, you must talk to a knowledgeable orthopedic issues disability benefits lawyer to fight for the benefits you deserve. Contact The Keener Law Firm today for a free consultation and claim review.