Applicants for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) can generally qualify for benefits in one of two ways. The first way is to show they have a condition that is on SSDI’s list of impairments. The second way is to show that their medical condition prevents them from working. In both scenarios, the applicant has to show that he/she can’t work for at least a year. The impairment list sets forth the criteria for proving your inability to work for at least a year for different types of impairments. There are fourteen different broad impairment categories. Within each category, many unique types of impairments are listed.
The musculoskeletal system is one of the fourteen categories. It includes all the muscles and bones in your body along with the joints, ligaments, cartilage, and connective tissues. The musculoskeletal system is what allows you to move. If it isn’t working properly, the system can prevent you from being able to work.
Musculoskeletal conditions covered by SSDI
The impairment list for musculoskeletal disorders includes the following qualifying conditions:
- Amputations. If you have two limbs (two arms, two legs, or an arm and a leg) that have been amputated, you should qualify – especially if you can show prosthetic devices can’t enable you to work. If just one limb has been amputated, you will probably need to produce additional evidence of work impairment.
- Fractures. Broken bones will only qualify if you can show that the fracture will last more than a year and the fracture prevents you from working.
- You need medical evidence to show a herniated disc, degenerative disc diseases, or other disorders can’t be treated and prevent you from working.
- The Social Security Administration will review evidence about your ability to sit, stand, push, pull, and do fine motor skills.
Musculoskeletal conditions should be verified by medical imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, along with a medical report by your doctor.
Some other types of musculoskeletal impairments that may qualify for SSDI benefits are:
- Apert syndrome
- Back pain
- Bone spurs
- Bursitis
- A club foot
- Dwarfism
- Fibromyalgia
- Gout
- Hip replacement
- A replacement of one or both knees
- Lyme disease
- Muscular dystrophy
- Osteoarthritis
- Paralysis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Scoliosis
- Shoulder difficulties
- Spina bifida
- Torn anterior cruciate ligament
At Larry Pitt & Associates, our Philadelphia SSDI lawyers know where to look to determine if your medical condition is on the approved impairment list. We work with orthopedists, neurologists, pain management doctors, general practitioners, and many other physicians who can verify your medical condition and who understand how the SSDI impairment list works. To speak with a tough advocate, please call 888.PITT.LAW or fill out our contact form to make an appointment. We see clients throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania, including people in the counties of Philadelphia, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery.
