Common Musculoskeletal Injuries Covered by Social Security Disability Benefits

Of the many people collecting Social Security disability benefits in Florida, the majority have been affected by serious bodily injury. Unfortunately, the physical demands of a job not only cause injury, they can also make it impossible for the disabled to return to work.

The Social Security program provides benefits for those with prohibitive musculoskeletal injuries. These are often acquired by sudden trauma, but can also be due to heredity or to a degenerative condition.

While the Social Security does not offer an extensive list of every form of disability, the important factor is the victim’s restricted mobility. Any injury that affects a person’s ability to “ambulate effectively” may be eligible for Social Security payments.

The major types of bodily injury covered by Social Security disability benefits include:

• Major joint dysfunction caused by trauma damage or a repetitive stress disorder to the shoulder, knee, elbow or ankle
• Reconstructive surgery of a weight-bearing joint that would affect the ability to walk or be fully mobile without assistance
• Spinal disorders, including spinal cord damage, paralysis or nerve impingement
• Amputation for any reason of an arm, leg, hand or foot
• Fractures to the leg bones, pelvis, fingers or an upper extremity that prohibit full range of motion or whose healing would be affected by an immediate return to work
• Soft tissue injuries such as burns whose healing times or extreme sensitivity would prohibit exposure to a normal working environment

As experienced Palm Beach Social Security disability attorneys, we know how difficult it is for victims to cope with the pain of a serious injury. Those whose benefits applications are denied may believe that they will be forced to return to work, unable to provide for their families-or pay for the medical bills their condition has caused.

At Fetterman & Associates, we can appeal your benefit case and work to get your application approved; getting you the help you need to live with your disability. If your Palm Beach Social Security benefits have been denied, call us today at (866) 865-1244 for a free consultation.