According to the Center for Disease Control, nearly 130 million people are seen by medical professionals for some sort of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) every year. Although many of these MSDs are minor sprains and injuries, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 20 percent of them are severe enough to qualify for at least partial disability.
Types of Musculoskeletal Disorders That Are Eligible for Disability
Even though the Social Security Administration considers MSDs as potentially qualifying individuals for disability benefits, it still makes determinations based on severity, function loss, and ailment type on a case-by-case basis. Simple sprains, for example, aren’t considered severe enough to warrant disability. However, more severe disorders—like muscular dystrophy—rightfully qualify for benefits. Therefore, the SSA has created a classification system for MSD types to help determine severity. This system includes the following MSD types for disability consideration:
- Joint problems. Your joints are essential for proper mobility, and—depending on your job—essential to properly perform your duties. If you’re unable to move your joints without severe pain, you may be unable to work. No one should be forced to work through pain, so the Social Security Administration accepts certain types of joint problems for disability consideration. Some of these include: osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, hip fractures or degenerative hip disease, bursitis, and shoulder problems.
- Problems affecting muscles. Muscles throughout your body help control movement, support bones, and hold weight. When a muscle is injured, deteriorates, or is otherwise impaired, mobility and strength can be severely affected. These effects can cause you to be unable to physically perform a job, thus making you eligible for disability benefits. Some muscle problems included in the Social Security musculoskeletal category are carpal tunnel syndrome, torn ligaments, sciatica, muscular dystrophy, hiatal hernia, third degree burns that affect nerves, and spinal cord injuries.
- Problems affecting your bones. It’s obvious that your skeletal system is the supporting framework for your entire body. It preserves your structural integrity as well as provides stability and protection for your muscles, organs, and tissues. However, if your bones are somehow damaged, weakened, or otherwise injured, mobility and body function can be severely affected, causing excruciating pain. Therefore, severe bone injuries and disorders can qualify you for partial or complete disability as a result of debilitating pain and your inability to move. Recognized bone problems include: avascular necrosis, bone spurs, broken limbs, amputations, coccyx (tailbone) damage, and clubbed foot.
Taking the Confusion Out of Filing
Once you’ve been diagnosed with a debilitating injury and can no longer physically work, filing for disability quickly becomes your best option for a stable future. Unfortunately disability claims can be confusing, stressful, and scary (if denied), and that is the last thing you need when dealing with an ailment.
Let us help take the confusion and worry out of your claim. Our experience, knowledge, and fortitude will not only help you understand your rights and options, but also help encourage your claim through the SSA process faster than if you filed alone. Call today for a free consultation and see how our representation is right for you.
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Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?
If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.
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