SSDI or SSI Benefit Requirements
Applying for SSDI or SSI can be incredibly time consuming and difficult for a number of reasons. In order to qualify for SSDI or SSI, it is vital that you are able to prove you have a condition, or multiple conditions, which inhibit your ability to work and take part in substantial gainful activity (SGA).
The Social Security Administration uses the Blue Book to determine whether a disability claim actually qualifies for disability benefits. However, even if a disability is not listed in the Blue Book, it doesn’t mean a claimant cannot qualify for benefits.
Categories
There are four categories for musculoskeletal disorders, including the following:
- Fractures – A fracture that is undoubtedly expected to prevent a claimant from working for a year or more
- Amputations – One or more amputations has occurred, and prosthetics don’t assist the claimant at all, or adequately enough to allow them to work
- Joints – Disorders which directly affect the joints, i.e. wrists, ankles, knees, and inhibit the claimant’s abilities to walk, stand, pull, push, lift, etc.
- Spine – Spinal injuries or disorders which prevent or greatly inhibit a claimant from being able to stand, sit, focus, or otherwise perform tasks necessary for work
Many different things are required to prove a claimant has a musculoskeletal disorder which qualifies them for SSI or SSDI, including proof of treatment by a doctor. Physical tests might also be required before finalizing a disability claim.
In order to be approved for disability benefits, the condition must be expected to last twelve months or longer, or have already lasted this length of time.
It is also important that a claimant continues to see their doctor faithfully, and follow any and all prescribed treatments. If a claimant does not follow these treatments, this could prevent their condition from improving which might impact the Social Security Administration’s decision to continue providing SSDI or SSI. If a claimant has been prescribed treatment(s) in the past, prior to filing a claim, and stopped following said treatment(s) this could also affect the Social Security Administration’s decision to provide benefits.
Common types of musculoskeletal disorders that often lead to SSDI and SSI claims are some of the following:
- Anterior Poliomyelitis (Polio)
- Bone Spurs
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Club Foot Deformity
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Degenerative Joint Disease
- Dwarfism
- Fibromyalgia
- Gout
- Hernia
- Herniated Disc
- Hip Pain
- Hip Replacement
- Knee Pain
- Knee Replacement
- Lumbar Stenosis
- Lyme Disease
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Neck Pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Paralysis
- Piriformis Syndrome
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Ruptured Disc
- Scoliosis
- Soft Tissue Injury (Burns)
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Spinal Fusion
- Torn ACL
- Whiplash
A Lawyer For SSI Denial – Bakersfield
Applying for SSDI or SSI due to a musculoskeletal disorder is a long, complicated process, and initial applications are commonly denied by the Social Security Administration.
If you are looking for a lawyer for SSI denial in Bakersfield, California, or SSDI denial, to get you the benefits that you need and deserve, contact Peña & Bromberg. Our team of lawyers is here for you, whether or not your disability is listed in the Blue Book. We will be by your side every step of the way, from filing medical records and disability hearings, to providing ongoing support to ensure you keep your benefits for as long as you need after receiving them.
Contact our law firm today at (559)-439-9700 and receive a free consultation.
