Navigating Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be overwhelming, especially for individuals in the Chicago area suffering from musculoskeletal system disorders. Understanding what musculoskeletal disorders qualify for disability and how to apply is important for securing the disability benefits you need.
If you are struggling with a disabling condition and need help securing Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates today online or at (847) 299-0008 for a free consultation.
Qualifying Musculoskeletal Disorders
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes several musculoskeletal system disorders as disabling conditions, including:
- Major dysfunction of a joint(s): Characterized by chronic joint pain, stiffness, and abnormal motion due to any medical condition, such as osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis.
- Spinal disorders: Includes degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, and herniated discs that result in nerve root compression or spinal arachnoiditis.
- Amputations: The loss of one or more limbs significantly limiting mobility and functionality.
- Fractures and soft tissue injuries: Severe fractures or burns that do not heal properly and impair function.
- Muscle and ligament disorders: Conditions like muscular dystrophy or connective tissue disorders that lead to progressive weakness or loss of mobility.
These musculoskeletal condition types can cause chronic pain, limited mobility, and significant physical impairment, making it difficult or impossible to engage in gainful activity.
Each condition must meet the SSA’s specific medical criteria, which evaluate the severity of symptoms, functional limitations, and response to treatment. If your condition doesn’t meet an exact listing, you may still qualify if you can prove that your disorder prevents you from working.
Not sure if you qualify? Our experienced disability attorneys can evaluate your case, help you understand your eligibility, and guide you through the application process.
Meeting SSDI Eligibility Requirements
Qualifying for SSDI requires meeting specific eligibility standards. These include proving that your musculoskeletal condition severely limits your ability to work and that your impairment meets the SSA’s definition of disability. The evaluation process considers several factors:
- Severity of the Condition: Your musculoskeletal disorder must be severe enough to prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity. The SSA assesses whether your condition significantly limits basic work activities, such as walking, standing, lifting, or using fine motor skills.
- Meeting SSA’s Blue Book Listing: The SSA has a list of qualifying impairments in its Blue Book. If your condition meets the relevant criteria outlined under musculoskeletal disorders, your claim may be approved more easily.
- Work History and Credits: SSDI benefits are only available to individuals who have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. The number of work credits needed depends on your age at the time of disability onset.
- Functional Limitations Assessment: If your condition doesn’t match an exact Blue Book listing, the SSA will evaluate your functional limitations through a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment. This determines how much work-related activity you can still perform despite your impairment.
- Duration of Disability: Your musculoskeletal condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death to qualify for SSDI.
Are you unsure about SSDI eligibility? The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd., is here to provide the compassionate, experienced representation you need. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Essential Documentation for Your Claim
Providing strong medical evidence is key to a successful disability claim. You will need detailed medical records, imaging results (such as X-rays or MRIs), physician assessments from physical examinations, and a record of treatments received.
In addition to medical documentation, a work history report outlining how your condition has affected your ability to perform job-related tasks will help support your case. If your initial application is denied, submitting additional evidence can help strengthen your case during the appeals process.
Submitting a strong SSDI claim requires comprehensive medical evidence. Our team at the Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates knows what the SSA looks for. We can help you present the best case possible.
How Our Disability Attorneys Can Help
Filing for SSDI can be complex, and many initial applications are denied due to insufficient medical evidence or application errors. Experienced disability lawyers can assess if you meet the relevant criteria, guide you through the application process, and help you collect all the necessary documentation. If your claim is denied, an attorney can help you appeal the decision and represent you in disability hearings before an administrative law judge.
The SSDI process can be frustrating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Let the experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates handle the paperwork, gather the right evidence, and fight for your benefits.
Get the Support You Deserve
If you have a musculoskeletal condition that makes it impossible to work, you may be eligible for disability benefits. The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd., can help you with the application process and fight for the benefits you need. Contact us today online or call us at (847) 299-0008 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
