Amputations & Fractures and Social Security Disability Benefits
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Amputations and Fractures and Social Security Disability Benefits
Individuals living with amputations or severe fractures (or other serious musculoskeletal disorders) often face chronic pain, reduced mobility, loss of strength, and difficulty performing everyday tasks. Amputations may require prosthetics and ongoing rehabilitation, while fractures — especially those that are complex or non-healing — can lead to lasting stiffness, weakness, or deformity. These limitations can make it challenging to walk, lift, carry, or use fine motor skills, directly impacting the ability to sustain employment. Treatments typically include surgical repair, physical therapy, pain management, and assistive devices, but while fractures may heal over time, many leave permanent restrictions. Amputations, on the other hand, are irreversible and require lifelong adaptation. In both cases, the long-term impact often worsens functional limitations, making Social Security Disability benefits an important option for those unable to return to work. Our social security disability lawyers can help you with amputations and fractures and social security disability.
What Are Amputations and Severe Fractures?
Amputations involve the surgical removal of a limb or extremity, often due to trauma, medical complications, or disease. Severe fractures occur when bones break in ways that cause lasting impairment, such as multiple breaks, non-healing fractures, or spinal compression fractures.
Common complications include:
- Chronic pain and reduced mobility
- Difficulty walking, standing, or lifting
- Dependence on prosthetics, braces, or assistive devices
- Loss of fine motor skills in the hands or arms
These limitations can make it difficult to perform both physical and sedentary work, depending on the severity and location of the injury.
Can Amputations and Fractures Qualify for Social Security Disability?
Meeting SSA’s Blue Book Listing
The SSA Blue Book (Section 1.00 – Musculoskeletal Disorders) includes amputations and severe fractures. You may qualify if:
- You have lost one or both hands, making fine motor tasks impossible
- You have lost one or both legs and cannot ambulate effectively, even with prosthetics
- You suffer from non-healing fractures that severely limit mobility or function
For a more detailed look at qualifying by meeting a blue book listing, check out our article on Understanding The Social Security Disability Blue Book Listings.
Approval Through Functional Limitations
Even if your injury does not meet the exact listing, you may still qualify if medical evidence shows that pain, mobility restrictions, or loss of function prevent you from working full-time. The SSA considers how your limitations affect your ability to perform past work or adjust to other jobs.
This analysis takes into account your residual functional capacity and the sequential evaluation process. More people will need to pursue benefits through this type of evaluaton rather than the blue book listings due to the limited inclusion criteria of the blue book. So, evidence matters.
FAQs about Amputations and Fractures
Do amputations automatically qualify for SSDI?
Not automatically. You must meet SSA’s Blue Book criteria or show that your limitations prevent you from working.
What medical evidence is most important?
Surgical records, imaging studies, and functional capacity evaluations documenting mobility and functional limitations.
Can fractures heal completely?
Some fractures heal with treatment, but severe or non-healing fractures may cause lasting limitations.
Medical Evidence Needed for Amputations and Fractures Disability Claims
To strengthen your claim, documentation should highlight both the injury and its functional impact. Useful evidence for amputations and fractures and social security disability includes:
- Surgical records or imaging studies confirming amputation or fracture
- Physician notes describing pain, mobility issues, and recovery challenges
- Records of treatments such as physical therapy, prosthetics, or corrective surgeries
- Functional capacity evaluations showing difficulty walking, lifting, or using hands
How MLF Legal Helps With Amputations and Fractures Disability Claims
As experienced social security disability attorneys, we understand how traumatic injuries affect every aspect of life. Our team helps by:
- Reviewing medical records to ensure they meet SSA standards
- Highlighting functional limitations in your claim
- Obtaining better evidence when needed
- Representing you during hearings and appeals
- Building a strong case to maximize approval chances
Call MLF Legal Today — 214-357-1782
Our social security disability attorneys offer a free case evaluation. Let us help you secure the benefits you deserve and have paid for out of every one of your paychecks.
