As a disease that gradually weakens bones, osteoporosis is especially harmful to the spine, wrists, and hips. Osteoporosis afflicts millions of Americans, with older women at the highest risk of contracting the disease. Risk factors include family history and possessing low bone density.
Referred to as a silent disease, preventing the advancement of osteoporosis requires a bone mineral density test to detect the presence of bone deterioration.
Why an Awareness Month for Osteoporosis?
The loss of bone density is a natural physical effect of aging. However, many Americans that suffer from the disease do not recognize the symptoms of it until something serious happens, such as intense pain and/or a significant loss of mobility. May is set aside each year to educate Americans about the seriousness of the disease, as well as inform us about how to prevent it from negatively transforming our lives.
With several strategies to develop healthy bones, May is national osteoporosis awareness and prevention month to lower the incidence of the disease.
How Can Someone Who Has Osteoporosis Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?
If you suffer from a severe case of osteoporosis, you might qualify to receive Social Security disability benefits. The key to receiving financial assistance for having to deal with the disease involves meeting the eligibility guidelines established by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Qualifying for financial assistance first requires you to have earned the right amount of work credits, as well as paid the minimum amount of taxes to the SSA. Then, a team of medical examiners from the SSA determines whether your osteoporosis symptoms meet the minimum requirements outlined in the SSA Blue Book.
The SSA does not list osteoporosis as a specific medical condition that qualifies applicants for Social Security disability benefits. You might be eligible for financial assistance by demonstrating you suffer from the serious health issues that are caused by the degeneration of bone matter.
What If I Don’t Meet or Match the Blue Book Listing for Osteoporosis?
If your diagnosis does not qualify you for financial assistance with osteoporosis, the backup plan should be to undergo a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment. An RFC assessment determines whether you can continue to work while dealing with the symptoms triggered by osteoporosis.
A member of the medical examiner team at the SSA puts you through one or more physical tests to evaluate your ability to complete your daily job functions. You might have to perform exercises that test the strength of the bones that are negatively impacted by the disease. For example, if osteoporosis has weakened your wrists, you might have to complete a test that measures the strength of your wrists.
How Do I Start the Disability Application Process for Osteoporosis?
Receiving a diagnosis for osteoporosis represents the first step on the road to getting a claim approved for Social Security disability benefits. You need to gather and organize every medical document associated with the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of the disease. The SSA wants to see evidence that osteoporosis has dramatically altered the way you live, particularly when it comes to your career.
Working with a Social Security disability attorney can help you present a convincing claim to the SSA. Although hiring a lawyer does not ensure you receive financial assistance, it may give you a better chance of receiving benefits for a disease that is not specifically listed in the SSA Blue Book. Complete the Free Case Evaluation on this page today to get in contact with an independent, participating attorney who subscribes to the website.
