Florida Social Security Qualifying Disabilities
Florida Social Security Qualifying Disabilities
If you’re disabled and struggling to get by, don’t give up hope. If you cannot work due to a debilitating injury or chronic disease, you may be extremely frustrated and have concerns about how you will pay bills. There are currently more than ten million people who are receiving Social Security disability benefits. Nearly nine million of those people are disabled workers, one million disabled adults, and the remainder is widows, widowers, and children of disabled workers. Their conditions and injuries are varied, but some types of injuries and conditions are more common than others.
While many people receive benefits, many others were wrongfully denied benefits, sometimes due to a simple mistake or error on their application. It is important to know that the process can be difficult and take time—especially if you have made any mistakes on your application or do not have a lawyer helping you through the process.
If you think you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits, speak with an Orlando SSDI lawyer at the Law Offices of Shea A. Fugate, P.A. first to ensure all your bases are covered.
What Determines if You’re Disabled?
The Social Security Administration has specific criteria on what qualifies as being disabled for benefits purposes. Someone will be considered disabled by SSA if they:
- cannot do their prior job;
- cannot adjust and do new jobs; and
- have already been disabled for over a year, will be disabled for over a year, or will die from their ailment.
If you’ve been unable to work due to an illness or injury that is expected to last at least one year or result in death, you may qualify for disability benefits under the Social Security Act.
The SSA will examine your medical records to determine if your condition meets one of the conditions listed in their Compassionate Allowances listings. These listings are organized by body system and include common diseases that are disabling such as myeloma, cancer, and lupus.
If you believe you have a severe but rare disease not commonly recognized, you may still qualify if your disease is severe enough to meet or medically equal one of the conditions listed.
Common Injuries in Social Security Disability Claims
While there are many different types of injuries and illnesses that can qualify for benefits, some conditions are more common than others. The following is a list of the most common types of disabilities that qualify for benefits.
Musculoskeletal injuries and illnesses mainly affect muscles and bones. These conditions may be caused by an accident, repetitive stress injury, severe illness or disease, or may be genetic.
Musculoskeletal conditions that qualify for benefits include:
Arthritis Pain & Inflammation—Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints, which can cause a great deal of pain and stiffness in your joints.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome—Repetitive motion injuries from typing or holding a phone or writing too much can cause pain, tingling, and swelling in your wrist joint.
Fibromyalgia—Fibromyalgia is an illness that causes widespread pain throughout the body.
Tendonitis/Bursitis—Bursa are fluid-filled sacs that cushion your muscles from bones and other organs. If these become inflamed, it will cause swelling and pain in the area.
Head injuries—Head injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, can leave victims with long-term physical and psychological problems. Symptoms will vary, but brain injuries can lead to confusion, communication problems, seizures, cognitive impairment, and more. Other related injuries include optic nerve damage, retinal detachment, and vitreous hemorrhage.
A concussion is caused by a blow or violent shaking of the head that causes temporary loss of consciousness or memory loss. Concussions may also cause headaches (including migraines), dizziness/balance problems, ringing sounds in the ears (tinnitus), and visual problems. Concussions may be caused by a car accident, slip-and-fall accident or sports injury.
Back injuries—Back injuries are widespread and can include damage to your vertebrae, spine, muscles, or discs. Depending on the location of the injuries, you could have difficulty and considerable pain sitting for long periods, bending, standing, lifting, or standing.
Neck injuries—While neck injuries are common in car accidents, slip and falls, sports accidents, and more. However, neck pain can also develop after sitting too long, especially at a computer.
Hip injuries—Sports injuries, slip and falls, and overuse from certain activities are a few of the issues that can lead to hip injuries such as strains, dislocations, bursitis, and fractures, and more.
Osteoporosis is a common problem as well, especially as we age. It causes your bones to become weaker, which can lead to fractures.
Hip injuries can lead to several issues such as strains, dislocations, bursitis and fractures. Hip injuries are an often-overlooked disability but one that could have been caused by sports injuries or falls from slipping on the ice.
Knee injuries—Your knees absorb a lot of pressure, especially if you are very physically active. It is very easy to damage tendons or ligaments. Sprains, tears, and dislocations are common. Some people never fully recover after suffering one of these injuries.
Numerous other injuries are also relatively common, including hand and wrist injuries, eye injuries, ankle and foot injuries, burns, and amputations.
Mental Conditions that Qualify for Benefits
Mental illnesses and conditions can be just as debilitating as physical ailments. While these conditions are not always visible to people, they still cause significant mental or emotional pain and may prevent you from working.
Because of the sensitive nature of mental illness, the Social Security Administration has worked hard to make sure that you do not have to suffer in silence and can apply for benefits if you are disabled.
Common conditions that may qualify for SSDI include:
Mood Disorders—Mood disorders are serious mental illnesses, like bipolar disorder and depression, which affect the way a person thinks, feels, acts, or perceives things.
Anxiety Disorders and PTSD/Severe Anxiety—If you suffer from severe anxiety or PTSD, it may present you with challenges that qualify you for Social Security Disability benefits.
Schizophrenia and other Psychotic Disorders—These disorders affect the way you think and perceive information in your brain.
Asperger Syndrome—This syndrome causes people to have trouble interacting socially with others. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) affect social interaction, communication skills and has other symptoms. The symptoms of ASD vary considerably from person to person.
Eating Disorders—Eating disorders are another mental illness that can be just as serious and debilitating as any physical illness.
Contact an Orlando Social Security Disability Benefits Attorney
You may be wondering; how can I find a disability lawyer?
This is a difficult question. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right attorney for you and your case. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Is the lawyer experienced with Social Security Disability claims?
- Does the law firm have experience in handling cases of this type?
- Will they offer their services on an hourly or contingency fee basis, and what will that cost me?
- What other types of cases does the law firm handle; do they specialize just in disability benefits claims or multiple areas of law (i.e., criminal defense)?
- What is the lawyer’s past record with Social Security disability cases and recovering benefits for clients?
To make an informed decision, you should do your research. Make sure that the lawyer is not just interested in getting paid—make sure they care about winning your disability case and assisting you in getting the benefits you deserve.
If you have an injury or illness that keeps you from working, you could be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. Contact the Law Offices of Shea A. Fugate, P.A. today to schedule an initial consultation. Let us put our skills and experience to work for you and help you get the benefits you deserve.
The Process of Applying for Benefits
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits is a long process with many steps, but you do not have to go through the process alone. An attorney can help you not only complete the application correctly, but also gather all the evidence needed to get your claim approved faster.
To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, there must be medical evidence of your disability as well as proof that it prevents you from working at your job. If you’ve been injured, don’t ignore your pain. You may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, and we can help. It’s best to get in touch with a lawyer who specializes in handling Social Security Disability claims, so you know your rights and what steps to take next.
If you would like more information and would like to learn more about how to apply for Social Security Disability, please contact the Law Offices of Shea A. Fugate, P.A. today.
If you believe you qualify for Social Security disability benefits, don’t attempt to handle your own application. Speak with an Orlando Social Security Disability lawyer at the Law Offices of Shea A. Fugate, P.A. first.
