Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries can be caused by a wide variety of events, and can result in an equally wide range of impairments. A spinal cord injury consists of damage to the spinal cord itself, either directly or by damage to the surrounding bones, muscles, or nerves that results in damage to the spinal cord. Falls, auto accidents, sports injuries, and other situations can all result in spinal cord damage.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that spinal cord injuries can result in any number of symptoms and that many of these situations may prevent a person from working and therefore qualifies them for Social Security disability (SSD) payments.
SSD Benefits
For instance, if you are paralyzed in an accident or unable to control your limb movements due to a spinal cord injury, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits if you cannot work and if treatment isn't available to help your limbs function well enough for you to work. A spinal cord injury that impairs basic body functions, like your heartbeat or breathing, may also qualify you for Social Security disability benefits.
When you file for SSD benefits after a spinal cord injury, the SSA will request information from you in order to determine whether you qualify for benefits. This information may include your medical records from the physicians and hospitals that have treated your condition; copies of imaging studies, such as CT scans and MRI results; detailed information on the treatment options you have tried and whether they have worked for you; and an informed opinion from your doctor(s) on whether your condition will last at least one year or whether it will result in your death.
If the SSA cannot determine whether you qualify for benefits based on the information you provide, they may ask you to undergo a consultative examination (CE). A CE is usually performed by your own doctor and is intended to help answer any of the SSA's remaining questions about your spinal cord injury and the conditions you live with as a result of the injury.
Qualifying for Disability Benefits in Missouri
In order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits because of a spinal cord injury, you will need to have worked long enough at a job that paid Social Security taxes. These taxes are also known as FICA taxes, and should be shown on your pay stubs. If you are a minor or a young adult, the work requirement may be shorter or waived altogether. Even if you cannot receive disability benefits, you may be eligible for Social Security income (SSI) benefits if you cannot work.
Navigating the complexity of Social Security disability law and requirements is a complicated job, especially when you are recovering from a serious injury or illness. The assistance of an experienced Social Security disability lawyer can be invaluable. Aggressive SSD attorneys know how to present a strong case to the Social Security Administration and will fight aggressively to ensure you receive the full amount of benefits you are entitled to. For more information, please don't hesitate to call Page Law today at (314) 322-8515 for a free and confidential consultation.
Additional Social Security Disability Information
- Digestive Disorders
- Disability Denial and Reconsideration
- Disability FAQ
- Heart Disorders
- Medicare/Medicaid
- Social Security Checks
- Social Security Disability
- Social Security FAQ
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Vision Disorders
