There are different cases of severity when it comes to spinal cord injuries ranging from partial or total debilitation of nerve function. When damaged, the spinal cord, which carries nerve signals between the brain and the rest of the body, may lose its ability to relay vital information. At times, depending on the damage, victims of spinal cord injuries will lose movement or sensation for prolonged periods of times, some even become paralyzed for the rest of their lives. Luckily, Social Security Disability benefits help victims overcome the issues entwined with spinal cord injuries.
Although a medical condition can only be deemed as disabling if the victim suffers from an injury for longer than twelve months, the SSD benefits are also available for those that have been impeded from gainful employment. A victim qualifies for SSD benefits if they meet the ordained terms listed in the Social Security Administration’s “Blue Book”. They could also potentially qualify for medical-vocational allowance.
The list of possible impairments that lead to consideration of SSD benefits found in the “Blue Book” is stated below:
- Meeting the listing for disorders of the spine — the injury must cause nerve root compression that produces pain, limited motion, and muscle weakness associated with sensory or reflex loss. Medical evidence must establish damage to the spinal cord.
- Meeting the listing for spinal cord lesions — the injury must impair motor function in two extremities, resulting in reduced ability to ambulate or perform fine and gross motor movements.
- “Equaling” either listing — if a person’s symptoms and functional limitations are different than those listed but equal in overall severity, the person may qualify for benefits under the listing.
There are many cases that do not meet these criteria, yet if the victim can prove that the injury precluded gainful employment than they will qualify to receive benefits. Regardless, if one aims to collect SSD benefits they will need to provide an adequate amount of documentation to support their claim. Treatment records and even medical images are satisfactory for establishing longevity and prognosis. Those that wish to receive benefits through medical-vocational allowance will need to ask a treating physician to fill-out a Residual Functional Capacity form. After completion of the form, where the physician goes into a detailed analysis of the severity of the mental and physical impairments of the victim, the SSA will properly assess the victim’s ability to work.
Source: jdsupra.com
