Disability Benefits for Amputations

Like most medical injuries and conditions, amputations may or may not qualify a worker for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits. The determination will hinge on: 

• Whether the applicant has collected sufficient work credits, including sufficient recent work credits, and
• Whether the applicant is considered disabled under the Social Security Administration (SSA) definition

The number of work credits and recent work credits required depends on the age at which the disability began. 

When Does Amputation Meet the SSA Definition of Disability?

There are two ways to meet the SSA standard for disability. The first is to meet or equal a listing in the Social Security Blue Book. Amputations are covered by section 1.20 of the Blue Book. A person may be deemed disabled due to amputations in any of the following four situations: 

• Amputation of both upper extremities at or above the wrist, OR
• Hemi-pelvectomy or hip disarticulation, OR
• Amputation of one upper extremity at or above the wrist AND amputation of one lower extremity at or above the ankle, but only if one of the following applies:
  • Need for a walker, bilateral canes, bilateral crutches, or a wheeled or seated mobility device involving the use of both hands, OR
  • Need for a one-handed, hand-held assistive device requiring the use of the other upper extremity or a wheeled and seated mobility device involving the use of one hand, OR
  • Inability to use the remaining upper extremity to perform work involving fine and gross motor movements, OR
• Amputation of one or both lower extremities at or above the ankle with complications of the residual limb lasting at least 12 months AND
  • Inability to use prosthetics, AND
  • Need for a walker, bilateral canes, bilateral crutches, or a wheeled or seated mobility device involving the use of both hands

The second way to qualify is to show that you are unable to engage in substantial gainful activity through a grid evaluation that takes into account your age, work experience, and educational level. For example, if your ability to do physical labor is limited, you will be more likely to be considered disabled if you are older and you don’t have skills from past work experience that are transferable to lighter work. On the other hand, if you’re younger and have education or skilled work experience that could be transferred to roles you are physically able to perform, you will probably not be considered disabled.

Submit the Strongest SSD Application Possible

Unfortunately, most SSD applications are initially denied. Working with an experienced SSD benefits advocate, whether you’re filing a claim based on amputations or other disabilities, can help ensure that you submit the strongest application possible. If you’ve already been denied, we can help with that, too–but time is limited, so contact us right away. Call 800-800-3332 or fill out our contact form here.

Read More About SSD Benefits For You Below:

• Is Osteoporosis a Disability?
• What is the Difference Between SSI and SSDI?
• I Just Received a Function Report Questionnaire from Social Security. What Should I Do?
• Why Your SSD Claim Might Be Denied?
• What is the SSDI Payment Schedule?
• How can I Check on My Disability Claim?
• Why Should I Hire a Disability Lawyer?