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.
To qualify for Social Security disability benefits (SSD) for carpal tunnel syndrome or any other condition, the applicant must meet certain criteria. These include:
Having accrued sufficient work credits and recent work credits to be eligible for SSD benefits, and
Meeting the Social Security Administration (SSA) definition of “disabled” due to a medical condition or combination of medical conditions, and
That disability has lasted or is expected to be terminal or last for at least 12 months
Here’s what you need to know about establishing that you are disabled by carpal tunnel syndrome.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a medical condition that occurs when there is pressure on the median nerve, which passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Symptoms may include pain in the hand, wrist, or fingers, numbness and tingling, weakness in the hand, and sometimes pain and/or numbness traveling up the arm. These symptoms are typically progressive if the condition is untreated, meaning that they tend to get worse as the person continues to engage in the activities that put pressure on the nerve.
Most Disability Due to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is Temporary
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated in a variety of ways, including with rest, medication, adjustment of working position or processes, or wrist braces. However, sometimes surgery is required. And, if the condition is left untreated, the damage may become permanent.
For most people, SSD benefits aren’t the first resource for impairment due to carpal tunnel syndrome. In part that’s because most cases of carpal tunnel don’t result in long-term disability. And, carpal tunnel syndrome is often work-related, which means workers’ compensation benefits will typically cover medical care and replacement income during the period of disability. Private or employer-provided short-term disability benefits may also cover a temporary disability due to carpal tunnel.
SSD Benefits For This Syndrome
If carpal tunnel syndrome results in a disability that is expected to be long-term (longer than one year) or permanent, you may qualify for SSD benefits. However, carpal tunnel isn’t specifically listed in the Social Security Blue Book, and the burden will be on you to establish both that your condition prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity and that your condition will last at least 12 months.
Your best starting point is to talk to an experienced disability benefits advocate about your rights and options. You can get started right now by calling 800-800-3332 or filling out our contact form here.
Disability Help Group Recognized As A National Top 10 Social Security Disability Firm in 2024
Disability Help Group is proud to announce its recognition, for the third year in a row, as one of the nation’s Top Ten Social Security Disability Firms in 2024. This prestigious award highlights the company’s commitment to excellence in assisting clients through the complexities of the Social Security Disability process.
“We are honored to be recognized among the top groups in the country,” said Matt Sauerwald, President of Disability Help Group. “This award reflects our team’s commitment to helping our clients navigate the often-challenging path to obtaining Social Security disability benefits. We will continue to strive for excellence.”
With a track record of success and client satisfaction, Disability Help Group has dedicated itself to providing compassionate and comprehensive support to individuals seeking disability benefits. This ACRD, Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled, award inspires our experienced team of advocates to continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the assistance they deserve.
As a recognized leader in the field, Disability Help Group remains focused on enhancing its services and expanding its reach to help even more individuals obtain the disability benefits they are entitled to.
About Disability Help Group
Disability Help Group, https://disabilityhelpgroup.com, is a national disability advocacy company founded by experienced disability experts who have been representing individuals for over 15 years. Disability Help Group is committed to providing the highest level of service and expertise to individuals throughout all 50 states.
Click here to contact our team today or call us at 800-800-3332.
“Arthritis” is a general term that covers several different medical conditions. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, in which cartilage wears down. This breakdown can cause joint swelling, grating, stiffness, pain, and other issues in the affected joints. However several other types that can cause similar symptoms, including rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis.
It is possible to secure Social Security disability (SSD) benefits for this condition, but not everyone suffering qualifies.
SSD Eligibility
To qualify for SSD benefits, the applicant must:
Have accrued sufficient Social Security work credits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) approaches determining whether you meet their definition of disabled in two different ways. One is to determine whether your medical condition meets or equals a condition listed in the Social Security Blue Book. The Blue Book lists many medical conditions, along with specific criteria to be deemed disabled under that listing.
However, the type of arthritis you suffer from and what part of your body is affected determines which listing the SSA applies. For instance, osteoarthritis is evaluated under the musculoskeletal section of the Blue Book. But, arthritis of the spine is assessed under a different set of criteria than arthritis that has caused abnormality in a major joint in the knee, elbow, wrist or ankle.
Rheumatoid arthritis, though the disabling symptoms may be very similar to those of osteoarthritis, is evaluated as an immune system disorder. The criteria for evaluating different types in different parts of the body are too extensive to list in full here. However, an experienced disability benefits advocate can help you determine which listing or listings apply in your circumstances and what type of medical evidence will be required to show that you meet or equal the listing.
SSD for Arthritis that Doesn’t Meet a Blue Book Listing
If your condition doesn’t meet a Blue Book listing, you may still qualify for SSD benefits. Some situations in which you may still be eligible for disability include:
Osteoarthritis affecting multiple body parts in a way that combines to prevent engaging in SGA, even though the applicant didn’t meet the listing for any single body part
Arthritis combined with one or more other conditions that together leave the applicant unable to engage in SGA
When you don’t meet a listing for a single condition, the analysis is more holistic, and takes into account your age, education, and work history. Older applicants with work experience limited to heavier physical labor are more likely to be found to be disabled.
Take the Next Step Right Now
Whether you’re just about to file for SSD or have been denied and want to appeal, Disability Help Group is here for you. Our experienced advocates have deep knowledge of the SSD application and appeals processes and the type of evidence required to prove your claim. Call us today at 800-800-3332 to hear how we can help or click here to complete our contact form.
Medicare Negotiates Prices and Saves People Billions
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 made several changes that affect Medicare beneficiaries. One of the most significant empowers Medicare to negotiate the prices of single-source drugs that don’t have generic competition or similar alternatives available. The negotiations are rolling out in rounds.
While most people think of Medicare as a benefit for retired workers receiving Social Security benefits, it’s important to remember that Social Security disability (SSD) recipients are also entitled to Medicare benefits after two years. Here’s what retirees and SSD recipients receiving Medicare benefits can expect.
Round One Drugs
To start, Medicare will be targeting 10 drugs. These 10 drugs alone account for more than $50 billion in Medicare Part D expenditures. Between June of 2022 and May of 2023, more than 8 million Part D participants took at least one of these drugs. Their share of the cost was more than $3.4 billion, or an average of about $412 each.
The first-round drugs are:
Eliquis, for the prevention and treatment of blood clots–more than 3.7 million participants took this drug during that one-year period
Jardiance, for diabetes and heart failure–more than 1.5 million participants took this drug during that one-year period
Xarelto, for prevention and treatment of blood clots–more than 1.3 million participants took this drug during that one-year period
Januvia, for diabetes–more than 850,000 Medicare Part D participants took this drug during that one-year period
Farxiga, for diabetes, heart disease and chronic kidney disease–nearly 800,000 participants took this drug during that one-year period
Entresto, for heart failure–more than 550,000 recipients took this drug during that one-year period
Enbrel, for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis–nearly 50,000 participants took this drug during that one-year period
Imbruvica, for blood cancers–20,000 recipients took this drug during that one-year period
Stelara, for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis–more than 20,000 participants took this drug during that one-year period
Fiasp and NovoLog insulin products, for diabetes–more than 750,000 participants took this drug during that one-year period
Medicare recipients can look forward to cost savings starting in 2026. The U.S Department of Health and Human Services has also released final guidance for the second round of negotiations, which will impact 2027 pricing.
Medicare and Social Security Disability (SSD)
The first step toward qualifying for Medicare benefits is to successfully apply for Social Security retirement benefits or SSD benefits. If you are considering applying for SSD or have been denied SSD benefits, Disability Help Group can help. Our experienced advocates have deep knowledge of the SSD application and appeals processes and the type of evidence required to prove your claim. To learn more, call 800-800-3332 or fill out our contact form.
