Back, Knee and Shoulder Injuries Are Physical Disabilities
Musculoskeletal injuries and impairments are the most common disabling conditions suffered by my clients in the building trades such as boilermakers, pipe fitters, iron workers, carpenters, and electricians. Nurses, factory workers and others who perform physical labor can also suffer back injuries, deteriorating knees and shoulders.
I'm David Kapor, a Social Security Disability lawyer in Cincinnati, Ohio. If you perform work that is hard, heavy and taxing, your body is your most important "tool." Backs, knees and shoulders bear the brunt of your labor and are the first to wear out. If you look around your workplace, you may notice that there are very few coworkers over the age of 50.
The SSD Listing of Impairments
Social Security regulations contain 14 different categories of specific physical disabilities. One of those categories is musculoskeletal impairments, which includes herniated discs, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, arthritis in the shoulders, knees and feet and fractures.
Having one of the listed conditions is not enough to qualify for disability. You must have the required symptoms set forth within each category. Whether or not you meet the criteria for a listed condition will depend almost exclusively on two factors:
- What is contained in the various tests such as MRI scans, EMG and X-rays?
- What are the opinions of your treating physician as set forth in your medical chart?
It is important for your treating physician to carefully document your symptoms, conditions and functional limitations. If you meet the criteria in a listed impairment, you are conclusively determined to meet the SSA's definition of disability. However, very few cases are clear cut. If you are over the age of 50, there are other paths to meeting the SSA's definition of disability.
Pain, Fatigue and Other Hard to Measure Impairments
Chronic pain and fatigue can be so severe it leaves you unable to work. However, there may be no objective medical evidence to support a Social Security Disability claim. A lawyer's assistance can help you and your doctor document your disability.
Illness as a Basis of Disability
Illness such as diabetes and congestive heart failure can also be used as a basis of disability with the proper documentation from your doctor.
Free Attorney Consultation: To discuss your physical disability with me, lawyer David Kapor, call 513-878-1867 or fill out the contact form on this Web site. I have offices in Cincinnati, Fairfield, College Hill, Blue Ash and Tri-County.
