Mountain climbing was Rick’s passion – right up until the time he fell over a cliff. His left arm was shattered, along with other injuries. Rick was unable to return to his dental practice until his bones healed and therapy fully restored his arm’s function. He wondered whether his broken arm would be covered by disability benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). He did not feel his broken arm would qualify for SSDI. Are there times when a broken arm qualifies for SSDI?
How to Qualify for SSDI, in General
The SSA manages several programs, including Social Security retirement, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and SSDI. Applicants for SSDI benefits must pass several levels of scrutiny
- Are you unable to continue working due to a medical condition that meets the SSA’s disability definition?
- Has your disability lasted, or will it continue to last, for at least a year, or is the disability expected to cause your death?
Applicants must meet other requirements, including having the correct number of work credits.
The Specifics of Disability
The SSA defines disability as:
“… the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.”
SSDI benefits are not provided for short-term disability. To qualify for SSDI, Rick’s broken arm must affect his ability to work and be considered permanent.
Medical Conditions and SSDI
In most cases, an applicant’s medical condition must appear on the SSA’s list of impairments. A broken arm may be covered in Section 1.00 Musculoskeletal System. However, the applicant still must meet all other requirements to start receiving SSDI.
It’s Difficult to Say Whether a Broken Arm Qualifies for SSDI
Don’t wait for an unnecessary amount of time to get your disability payments started. Talk to a lawyer as soon as you learn you can no longer work.
At The Law Offices of Martin Taller, your case gets the attention and care of experienced Social Security Disability attorneys. Call us at 714-385-8100 to set up a free consultation. Though our office is conveniently located in Anaheim, we assist clients throughout Southern California.
