If you are suffering from osteoporosis and it has made it impossible for you to work, you might be eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees two different disability programs that offer monthly benefits to disabled workers. When Osteoporosis advances, it leads to bones that are porous and fragile, which can cause serious joint pain, frequent broken bones, and other problems.
If you are applying for disability because of osteoporosis, you should speak with a Social Security Disability advocate or attorney who can improve your odds of a successful claim.
How Does Osteoporosis Qualify For Disability Benefits?
If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, your claim will be evaluated under the criteria listed in the medical guide, which is the Blue Book. Osteoporosis usually accompanies some other medical condition such as autoimmune disorders, parathyroid problems, or kidney disease. There are several different symptoms and disorders that come into play along with osteoporosis that might meet the criteria of the Blue Book for disability benefits.
Here are some of the different sections and impairments that are listed:
- Section 14.00 – Autoimmune Disorders
- Section 9.00 – Parathyroid Disorders
- Section 6.00 – Kidney Disease
The most common symptom of osteoporosis would be bone fractures, and because the condition leaves you with brittle bones that do not heal properly, you might qualify under one of these two Blue Book listings:
- Section 1.06 – Broken Bones in the Lower Body
- Section 1.07 – Broken Bones in the Upper Body
How Can An Attorney Help Me While Applying?
If you are applying for disability benefits because of a diagnosis of osteoporosis, your attorney will help ensure all medical records and documentation is in order so the SSA will have everything necessary to evaluate your claim.
When Disability Determination Services reviews your claim, all x-rays and scans, lab reports, prescription records, and physician notes will be reviewed so your claim can be given fair consideration in determining whether or not you are disabled.
How Can An Attorney Help Me If My Claim Is Denied?
If you have applied for disability benefits and your claim is denied, a Social Security advocate or attorney can help show Disability Determination Services that you are unable to earn a substantial gainful income using a medical-vocational allowance. Using this approach, your medical conditions, age, work history and skills, and educational background are all considered.
When you file an appeal, your case will eventually reach the hearing level before an administrative law judge. At the hearing, you will be questioned by a vocational expert to determine what kind of work, if any, you can perform. Some of the questions someone with osteoporosis might be asked include, “Has your condition caused you to suffer broken bones that affect your ability to carry or lift objects?” “Has the osteoporosis caused you to suffer back pain or have difficulty when bending over or reaching up?” “How often do you have to reposition yourself because of the pain and stiffness suffered because of the broken bones?”
Connect With an Attorney Today
Now is the time to pursue your claim for Social Security Disability benefits. You should speak with a disability attorney or advocate before starting your application so you will know if you will qualify using the medical criteria set forth in the Blue Book or through a medical-vocational allowance. Your attorney or advocate will help you gather up documentation and medical records before you apply.
To get connected with a local disability attorney or advocate, fill out the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page.
