As one of the most serious types of injuries, a spinal cord injury can put you out of work for years, if not for the rest of your life. Loss of movement, the inability to feel anything, and incredibly intense pain in the neck and back can leave a patient bedridden for extended periods.
If you suffered a spinal cord injury that has prevented you from working, you should file a claim for Social Security disability benefits. Working with an attorney may help strengthen your claim by collecting and organizing the medical documents that you need to file for a review by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Let’s review the five best signs your disability claim will be approved.
Back to topSign #1-Meet the Non-Medical Requirements
The first thing on your to-do list involves submitting an accurate application. One mistake and/or missing information might lead to your claim getting dismissed by the SSA. You also have to earn enough work credits to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. For claims filed in 2021, one work credit equals compensation of $1,470.
When you reach $2,940 in earnings from employer wages or self-employment income, you earn two work credits. The number of work credits that you need to be eligible for disability benefits depends on the age when a spinal cord injury left you disabled.
Back to topSign #2-Submit Compelling Evidence
If you suffer from partial or full paralysis as the result of a spinal cord injury, you must submit a medical document that confirms the diagnosis. The types of diagnostic tests that are used to determine the severity of a spinal cord injury include x-rays, computerized tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests.
A written statement from your physician should contain a prognosis of your chances of making a partial or full recovery. You should also submit copies of every medical bill to ensure that you receive compensation for the cost of diagnosis, treating, and rehabilitating your spinal cord injury.
Sign #3-Demonstrate You Have Not Worked
You cannot expect to get anywhere with a disability benefits claim if you do not meet the criterion of not being able to work for 12 consecutive months. Timekeeping records from your employer represent the hard evidence that you need to prove you missed 12 consecutive months of work. You should also submit copies of your bank records to demonstrate you have not received any income from your employer for 12 consecutive months.
Back to topSign #4-Meet the Criteria Listed in the Blue Book
The SSA refers to a medical guide called the Blue Book to determine eligibility for Social Security disability benefits. You become eligible for financial assistance if you meet one of the following conditions.
- Complete loss of function of any part of the body
- Cannot move at least two extremities
- Serious cognitive issues such as being unable to concentrate and/or the inability to remember information
The Blue Book lists full paralysis as a criterion for getting disability benefits approved for a spinal cord injury.
Back to topSign #5-Schedule a Free Case Evaluation
The loss of income caused by a spinal cord injury can put you in a deep financial hole. Act with a sense of urgency by working with a Social Security disability lawyer. Your attorney can monitor the progress of your claim, as well as can help you submit the medical evidence required to get approved for financial assistance.
Fill out a Free Case Evaluation today to get connected with an independent, participating Social Security disability lawyer that subscribes to the website.
Back to topAdditional Resources
- Signs That You Will Be Approved for Disability
- Tips on Applying for Disability Benefits with Spinal Cord Injuries
- Tips on Qualifying For Disability Benefits With a Spinal Condition
