Long Beach Attorneys Explain:
Collecting Social Security Disability for Amputation–

If you have suffered an amputation, our thoughts are with you and we are here to help. We understand that an amputation is a life changing event that poses unbelievable challenges. In addition to the physical and emotional toll of the amputation – you now must address the financial implications of losing a limb.

Our experienced Social Security Disability Attorneys have helped many people with amputations collect Social Security Disability Benefits – so that they can move on with their lives and continue to support themselves and their family.

Does Amputation Automatically Qualify for Social Security Disability?

One would think that an amputation would guarantee Social Security Disability benefits. Unfortunately that is not always the case. Only certain types of amputations qualify for disability benefits – so it is important to discuss your case with an experienced Social Security Disability attorney to make certain you understand your rights.

Qualifying for Social Security Disability for Amputation

When applying for Social Security Disability for an amputation it does not matter how you lost a limb. Whether you lost your limb through an accident, injury, diabetes or something else. The Social Security Administration will treat your case the same.

You will be found disabled “automatically” if your amputation meets the specific criteria set forth in Social Security’s “official listing” for amputations. You must meet one of the criteria below in order to “automatically” qualify for SSDI for your amputation:

• Amputation of one or both legs

Amputation of one or both legs at or above the ankle automatically qualifies you for Social Security disability IF you are not able to walk effectively. “Ineffective walking” is generally defined as meaning that you have stump complications that don’t allow you to use prosthetic a device; and/or you need to use both your hands to handle a walker, two canes, two crutches, or a wheelchair.

• Amputation of one hand and one leg at or above the ankle

Amputation of one hand and one leg at or above the ankle automatically qualifies you for Social Security disability IF you are not able to walk effectively.

• Amputation of one leg up to the hip (hip disarticulation), or a Pelvic Amputation (hemipelvectomy)

Either of these automatically qualifies you for Social Security Disability.

Other Amputations Qualifying for Social Security Disability

There are many additional types of amputations that do not fit the criteria listed above – but that may still qualifying a person for Social Security Disability. If you have an amputation that prevents you from working, a person can still be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. For example, an amputation of your dominant hand may prevent you from working to the extent that you Qualifying for Social Security Disability.

If your work-related activities are limited because of your amputation, the Social Security Administration will assess your “residual functional capacity” (also called “RFC”). They will look at whether you can walk effectively on an artificial leg, as well as whether you are capable of “sedentary activities” such as sitting at a desk.

For lower limb amputations, the SSA will consider if you may be restricted in crawling, kneeling, climbing, bending at the knees, activities that require good balance, or walking on certain surfaces. For upper limb amputations, the SSA will consider your ability to grasp things, fine motor movements, typing and writing abilities, and your ability to lift objects.

Then the Social Security Administration will use your RFC assessment to determine what kind of work (if any) you are still capable of doing despite the limitations from your amputation. If they determine that you are capable of performing any job (not just the job you used to have) they will DENY your deny your But if Social Security determines that the symptoms associated with your amputation are so limiting that there is no job you can perform, you will be awarded Social Security Disability benefits.

Our Long Beach Social Security Attorneys Can Help

As you can see – since many amputations unfortunately do not automatically qualify for Social Security Disability, it is very important to speak to an attorney about your case. Our experienced Social Security Disability attorneys have helped many people with amputations successfully collect the Social Security Disability benefits they deserve.

Our Long Beach attorneys know every aspect of the Social Security Disability “system”. Our lawyers know what medical records and documentation are required to “prove” your case, and how to get them and present them in  the best manner. And ur Long Beach attorneys fight tirelessly to get you the Social Security Disability benefits for which you qualify.

Call Our Long Beach Social Security Attorneys: 562-622-4800

Long Beach Social Security attorneys serving Los Angeles, Orange County & Southern California, including: Anaheim, Carson, Bellflower, Compton, Downey, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, La Habra, La Mirada, Lakewood, Lomita, San Pedro, Santa Ana, Torrance, Wilmington, Whittier and Yorba Linda.