Can I Get SSD/SSI for a Broken Leg, Pelvis, or Foot? Who qualifies for Social Security Disability benefits when a lower extremity fracture keeps you from working

Nonunion and Inability to Ambulate

Can I get SSD/SSI for broken leg, pelvis or foot is a common question. If you suffered a fracture that affects your lower extremities, you may be entitled to Social Security Disability benefits. If you suffered a fracture of the femur, tibia, pelvis, or one or more of the tarsal bones, Social Security may find that you are disabled if a solid union of the broken bone(s) does not occur and, as a result, you cannot ambulate effectively. Social Security defines an inability to ambulate effectively as “an extreme limitation of the ability to walk.” This often means that your lower extremity functioning is so restricted that you require the use of a hand-held assistive device that requires the use of both of your hands (like a walker, two crutches, two canes, etc.). There are some additional limitations that can qualify a person as having “infective ambulation” and a disability attorney can explain all the different allowances that may apply to your particular case. Your inability to ambulate must also last for at least 12 months following the onset of your injury.

How SSD/SSI Can Help

When you suffer such a serious fracture and then don’t recover from your injury fully or promptly, that can cause some serious financial problems. If your injury leaves you unable to work, your bills continue to come in while your bank account dwindles away. Applying for disability in these situations can help take some of the economic burden off you and your family while you focus on your long-term recovery. If your nonunion and inability to ambulate is permanent, it can provide you with monthly income so you can survive.

How Social Security Disability Lawyers Can Help

Dealing with Social Security can be burdensome and overwhelming when you are already dealing with such a severe injury. If you are denied disability benefits for such an injury, you should appeal any such determinations promptly. Disability attorneys can help you apply for benefits and can appeal any denials you may receive in your case. Social Security will sometimes issue denials in these cases if they think a person may improve with time. If they think your fracture may heal with more time or your inability to walk may improve with more medical treatment, they may deny your claim for benefits, however unfair that may seem. This is why you should not give up hope if you receive a denial and you should put in appeals if you are denied disability. An attorney can help guide you through the process and can make sure all applicable rules and regulations are considered in your case. Contact Smith & Godios for additional information on this issue.