When you suffer a severe injury, such as a broken leg that requires major surgery, it can have a long-lasting impact on your ability to work and carry out everyday tasks. You may face physical limitations, persistent pain, and a lengthy recovery period, all of which can leave you wondering: Can I qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for a broken leg?
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about how Social Security Disability and SSI benefits work, how they apply to leg injuries, and what you need to demonstrate to qualify for assistance.
What is Social Security Disability?
Social Security Disability benefits are designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who have a disability that prevents them from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. The disability must be severe enough to keep you from performing any substantial gainful activity (SGA). If your broken leg and subsequent surgery severely limit your ability to work, you may be eligible for SSD benefits.
What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is another form of financial assistance provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA), but it differs from SSD in that SSI is based on financial need, rather than work history. SSI is available to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. It is designed to help individuals who may not have a sufficient work history to qualify for SSD benefits.
If you’re unable to work due to a broken leg, require surgery, and have limited income or resources, you may qualify for SSI benefits in addition to—or instead of—Social Security Disability.
How Does a Broken Leg Affect SSD and SSI Eligibility?
A broken leg that leads to major surgery involving rods and screws can be a serious injury, but the key to qualifying for either SSD or SSI benefits isn’t just having the injury itself—it’s the impact the injury has on your ability to function.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a list of medical conditions known as the Blue Book to determine whether an individual qualifies for SSD benefits. The Blue Book outlines specific criteria for a variety of conditions, including musculoskeletal disorders (which would cover broken bones, fractures, and surgical interventions).
Will a Broken Leg with Surgery Qualify?
The SSA doesn’t automatically grant disability benefits for every case of a broken leg. To qualify for either SSD or SSI benefits, you must demonstrate that your injury causes significant functional limitations. Here are the two main ways a broken leg with surgery might lead to disability eligibility:
1. Inability to Perform Basic Physical Activities
If your broken leg causes significant limitations in your ability to stand, walk, or bear weight for an extended period of time, this can impact your ability to perform most types of work. Even after surgery, the presence of rods and screws in your leg can result in:
Chronic pain
Reduced mobility
Swelling or weakness
Limited ability to use your leg for walking, standing, or lifting
For SSD benefits, you must prove that these limitations prevent you from performing work you’ve done in the past and that they would also stop you from performing any other type of work available in the national economy.
For SSI benefits, while the financial need is a primary consideration, proving your disability and its impact on your ability to function is still essential.
2. Lengthy Recovery Time
One of the most critical factors in qualifying for SSD or SSI benefits is whether your condition is expected to last for at least 12 months or more. If your injury requires extended recovery—such as months of rehabilitation, physical therapy, or the need for additional surgeries—this can support your case for disability.
The SSA often requires that a condition be expected to last for at least a year or result in death for you to qualify for benefits. If your broken leg and surgery are expected to cause prolonged limitations, you may meet this threshold.
How Does the SSA Assess Your Broken Leg for Disability?
Whether you're applying for SSD or SSI benefits, the SSA evaluates your case based on your ability to function physically. If you’re applying for benefits for a broken leg, you will need to provide medical evidence that supports your claim. This includes:
Medical records: You will need to provide detailed records of the injury, surgeries, physical therapy, and any other treatments you’ve undergone. This will help establish the severity of your injury and how it impacts your ability to function.
Functional limitations: You may need to submit documents or testimony from your doctor regarding how your injury limits your daily activities, such as walking, standing, sitting, lifting, or bending.
Work history: The SSA will look at your past work and whether your injury prevents you from continuing that type of work. If your prior work was physically demanding (e.g., construction, labor, or other manual jobs), it will strengthen your case that you cannot perform that work due to the limitations caused by your injury.
Residual functional capacity (RFC): A comprehensive assessment of your ability to do work-related activities despite your injury. This can be provided by your doctor.
What Happens If Your Claim Is Denied?
Even if your claim for SSD or SSI benefits is initially denied, you still have options. It’s common for SSD claims to be rejected in the first instance, and SSI claims can be difficult to qualify for due to strict financial guidelines. However, you can appeal the decision and present additional evidence of how your injury severely limits your ability to work and engage in daily activities.
Should You Hire an Attorney?
If you’re unsure whether your injury qualifies for Social Security Disability or SSI benefits, or if you’ve been denied, an experienced disability attorney can help. They can assist you in gathering the necessary medical evidence, filing the required paperwork, and representing your interests during the appeal process.
A lawyer who specializes in Social Security Disability and SSI law can also guide you in understanding the legal complexities involved in proving that a broken leg and subsequent surgery with rods and screws lead to an inability to work.
Final Thoughts
While a broken leg that requires major surgery may not automatically qualify you for Social Security Disability or SSI benefits, it can lead to eligibility if it causes significant limitations in your ability to work and function. The key is to demonstrate the severity of your condition, its impact on your work capacity, and its long-term effects.
If you’ve suffered a serious leg injury and find yourself unable to work due to chronic pain, mobility issues, or other complications, it’s worth consulting a legal professional to assess your eligibility for SSD or SSI benefits. They can guide you through the application or appeals process and help you secure the financial support you need during your recovery.
Contact Us Today If you're dealing with the aftermath of a serious leg injury and believe you may be eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI benefits, we can help. Our team of experienced attorneys will work with you to gather the necessary documentation and build a strong case on your behalf. Contact us today for a consultation.
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