Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are disorders that affect the body’s musculoskeletal system and therefore its ability to move. The musculoskeletal system is also known as the locomotor system and consists of the body’s ligaments, tendons, cartilage, joints, and other connective tissue. It provides our bodies with the support and stability we need to function. At Invictus Legal Services, our Washington state disability attorney has a track record of successfully representing clients suffering from various MSDs.
If you are seeking disability benefits from the Social Security Administration based upon your MSD, you will need to show that the disability has lasted, or will last, a minimum of 12 months and that you have complied with all instructions and orders given by your physician. It is also important that you attend all of your doctor’ appointments.
Categories of Musculoskeletal Disorders
The Social Security Administration breaks down MSD’s into four categories:
- Amputations: Whether or not an amputation qualifies you for disability benefits depends largely on your prior work experience and level of education. It is possible that the Social Security Administration will require that you have tried using prosthetic devices to enable you to work before they will award disability benefits.
- Disorders of the Spine/Fractures: It is possible to receive disability for a fracture if the fracture is significant enough to take a year or more to heal and thereby prevents you from being able to work for that time period. Spinal impairments such as degenerative disc disease may severely impact your ability to return to work or perform other work. You will need to show that the disorder impacts your ability to sit, stand, walk, lift, and carry
- Joint Dysfunction: In order to qualify for Social Security benefits for joint dysfunction your pain and/or inability to use your joints will need to be significant. If you are over age 50 and have worked at a heavy exertional level most of your life, you may very well be eligible for disability benefits.
Examples of Musculoskeletal Disorders
Some of the most common musculoskeletal disorders include:
- Arthritis
- Degenerative Joint Disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Degenerative Hip Disease
- Inflammatory Arthritis
- Knee Replacement
- Bursitis
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Sciatica
- Hiatal Hernia
- Torn Ligaments
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Third Degree Burns that Affect Nerves
- Fibromyalgia
- Anterior Poliomyelitis
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Bone Spurs
- Amputations
- Clubbed Foot
- Coccyx Damage
- Back Pain
- Reflex Sympathetic Disorder
- Avascular Necrosis
- Herniated Discs
- Spina Bifida
- Hip Replacement
- Osteoporosis
- Paralysis
- Ruptured Disc
- Scoliosis
- Femur, Tibia, or Pelvis Fractures
- Fractured Vertebrae
- Spinal Fusion
Call Our Washington State Disability Attorney
If you suffer with a musculoskeletal disorder and want to know how to receive disability compensation, or if you have been denied disability for some other impairment or combination of impairments, call our office today for a free consultation with our Washington state disability attorney.
Our firm is conveniently located in Seattle, Washington, and we represent clients throughout the State of Washington. We offer remote meetings and consultation, and can even come to your home or office. Contact us online or call us at 800-567-1556 to schedule your appointment today.