Musculoskeletal Impairments and Social Security Disability
The Social Security Administration may qualify you for disability benefits if you suffer from a disability related to the musculoskeletal system. There must be a proven loss of function to be considered for Social Security disability benefits.
Loss of Function in the Musculoskeletal System
Loss of function in your musculoskeletal system may be caused by:
• Bone fractures;
• Joint deformity;
• Spine disorder;
• Amputation; and/or
• Tissue injuries.
Functional loss is defined as the inability to ambulate effectively on a sustained basis for any reason. A Social Security disability advocate can help you determine if your medical conditions qualify you for benefits.
Listing of Impairments Of Musculoskeletal Injuries
Below is an overview of the category of listing of impairments that the Social Security Administration provides for musculoskeletal injuries:
- Major dysfunction of a joint(s) (for any reason)
- Reconstructive surgery or surgical arthrodesis of a major weight-bearing joint
- Disorders of the spine
- Amputation (for any reason)
- Fracture of the femur, tibia, pelvis, or one or more of the tarsal bones
- Fracture of an upper extremity
- Soft tissue injury (e.g., burns)
Substantial Gainful Activity
A claimant needs to understand that their ability to collect Social Security disability benefits will be dependent on their participation in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). A person must be unable to engage in SGA to qualify for disability benefits.
If you are earning more than a certain monthly amount, which is your “net of impairment-related work expenses,” you may be considered to be engaging in substantial gainful activity.
The monthly amounts for 2010 are currently: $1,640 if you are statutorily blind and $1,000 if you are not blind. Federal regulations specify a lower amount for individuals who are not blind. Keep in mind that both amounts will generally change from year to year.
You also need to be aware that these amounts do not apply to Social Security Income (SSI) benefits if you are blind; however, if you are non-blind, they do apply.
Trial Work Period and Your Social Security Disability Benefits
A trial work period is a period wherein a person who has earned disability benefits may attempt to return to work. The Social Security Administration provides an incentive, the trial work period, where a beneficiary can collect their earnings and their benefits. It’s important to understand the rules governing a trial work period before you attempt to return to work in any manner.
If you suffer from a disorder related to the musculoskeletal system, such as an amputation or fractured pelvis, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. A qualified and experienced Social Security disability representative can help you determine eligibility, your own level of substantial gainful activity and answer any questions you may have.
Before you apply for Social Security Disability and/or Supplemental Security Income order our FREE report; Secrets Social Security Won’t Tell You. The representatives at Disability Help Group understand the inner workings of the Social Security Administration and will help you navigate the system. Contact us today for a FREE consultation.