The most approved disability is musculoskeletal disorders. This category includes everything from debilitating arthritis to amputations, burns, spinal cord injuries, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other significant soft tissue injuries. The Social Security Administration (SSA) includes these disabilities in its Listing of Impairments.
Having a musculoskeletal disorder does not automatically mean approval for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Knowing how the SSA will assess your disabling condition can help you understand the application process. A Rutherfordton Social Security Disability lawyer in your area can help you document your disability with medical evidence. Most law firms will review your claim at no cost or obligation.
Why Are Musculoskeletal Disorders the Most Approved SSD Disability?
Musculoskeletal disorders are the most approved SSDI disability because they can seriously impair an individual’s physical ability. They can limit mobility and make even ordinary daily tasks and personal care challenging. These disorders can also make it difficult to perform many conventional job-related duties.
The limitations musculoskeletal disorders present are typically readily apparent, leading to their disability rating and high approval rate. If you have a condition included in this category, you could have a greater chance of getting benefits.
What Medical Conditions Are Considered Musculoskeletal Disorders?
According to the SSA, musculoskeletal disorders affected 34.1% of disabled workers and 42.4% of disabled widow(er)s receiving SSD benefits as of December 2023. The SSA’s Blue Book includes musculoskeletal disorders among its Listing of Impairments—conditions considered severe enough to qualify for disability.
Musculoskeletal disorders affect muscles, joints, and bones. This category also includes medical conditions that affect your ligaments, tendons, nerves, and connective tissues, including:
- Abnormality of a major joint
- Amputation due to any cause
- Broken bones due to disease
- Disorders of the skeletal spine
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Chronic or complex bone fractures
- Reconstructive joint surgery
Serious burns and soft tissue abnormalities also fall into this category. Long-term medical care could be required to treat these disorders and improve quality of life. The SSA will use your medical records and other evidence to assess your current condition and make a final decision on your SSD application.
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What Medical Evidence Is Required to Prove a Disability?
The SSD application process will involve various evidence related to your disabling condition, such as:
- Comprehensive medical records
- Contact details for your physician(s)
- Imaging and laboratory test results
- Proof of hospital or rehab admissions
- Proof of various required therapies
- Prescription medication information
Compiling all the required documentation can be time-consuming and stressful. If you have a personal injury lawyer, they can help you gather everything you need and track your application as it progresses.
How Do You Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits?
Your SSD benefits application will also require personal information. You must provide all of the following:
- Identifying information: Name, birthdate, and Social Security number
- Contact information: Current mailing address and phone number
- Military service: Service date and discharge information
- Citizenship status: Proof of citizenship or naturalization status
- Marital status: Details about your marriage, divorce, family size, etc.
If a Social Security Disability attorney represents you, they can help you obtain all the necessary information for your application. They can also help you submit a complete and accurate application.
Do You Know the Right Social Security Disability Program for You?
To receive benefits from an SSD program, you must have a qualifying disability. It must meet the following criteria:
- Be significant enough to prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA)
- Be expected to last for a minimum of one year and/or ultimately result in your death
These are the basic qualifying criteria. SSD provides benefits via two programs—Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Applying for the right program is essential. In some cases, you could qualify for both benefits programs simultaneously.
Who Can Apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
SSI benefits are for disabled individuals who have a demonstrated financial need. To qualify, you must have little or no access to financial support or resources. You do not need a qualifying work history and may qualify for additional programs, such as Medicaid.
Who Can Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
SSDI benefits are for people with disabilities who worked long enough and recently enough and participated in the SSD tax program while working. The SSA will evaluate your work history as part of the application process.
Do You Need a Social Security Disability Attorney to Apply for Benefits?
You could greatly benefit from having legal guidance and support on your side. A lawyer’s familiarity with the SSD application process means they can:
- Identify the right SSD benefits program for you
- Obtain, complete, and submit claim forms
- Collect and organize medical evidence
- Compile and submit required personal information
- Monitor your application’s progress
If a disability attorney represents you, they can also help you file an appeal if the SSA denies your initial application.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire an SSD Lawyer?
You do not have to tackle the SSD application process alone out of concern for the cost of hiring an SSD lawyer. Most will represent you on a contingency fee basis, meaning they will cover any upfront or out-of-pocket expenses associated with your case.
Hiring a lawyer to guide you through this complex process is risk-free. You will only pay your attorney after you receive compensation. If they don’t secure benefits for you, you won’t owe them anything.
Learn More About Applying For Social Security Disability Benefits
Applying for disability benefits can be a daunting process, but it’s not one you have to navigate alone. When our law firm represents you, we will manage all the details of applying for benefits or appealing a denied application.
Our SSD lawyers will define the most approved disabilities and document your qualifying disability with medical evidence. Find out how with a free initial consultation. Contact our team at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, to get started today.