How to Apply for Disability Benefits with a Spinal Cord Injury

Suffering a spinal cord injury is often a major life-changing event. Not everyone is able to recover lost functioning and many people find themselves constrained to a wheelchair for life. A common concern is not being able to work to earn a basic income due to these major limitations. Consider discussing your options for disability benefits with a Wilmington disability attorney today.

ASSESS SPINAL CORD INJURY IMPAIRMENTS

Assessing the impairments caused by your spinal cord injury is vital for filing a strong disability claim. The more impairments you have, the greater your chances of becoming eligible for disability benefits. Some of the most common spinal cord injury impairments include:

• Lost movement and sensation below the damage site
• Breathing difficulties
• Chronic pain
• Bladder and bowel dysfunction
• Muscle spasticity

Many of these impairments can lead to mental health problems like depression and anxiety. The significant distress caused by these conditions can hinder work performance accuracy and stamina. Jobs that require movement or walking may no longer be an option.

For people with spinal cord injuries in the neck, hand movement often becomes impaired. This means any job that requires the use of your hands is no longer viable. Fewer job options are left as the number of spinal cord injury impairments increases. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides disability benefits and takes this into consideration when reviewing claims.

What the SSA does when assessing eligibility for disability benefits is consider what other jobs the person could do. In situations where no job options are left, the SSA is more likely to provide disability benefits. The goal of disability benefits is to serve as income replacement for basic needs.

DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR SPINAL CORD INJURIES

When it comes to applying for spinal cord disability benefits, be prepared to provide as much information and medical evidence as possible. You could qualify for disability benefits if you provide medical evidence of any of the following medical conditions:

• Paralysis in one or more body parts
• Abnormal movement in two extremities or more
• Physical spinal cord problem with a mental impairment

These mental impairments may include problems with social interactions, concentration, self-care, adaptation, or the ability to use information. You will want to find evidence of these if your spinal cord injury is not severe enough to qualify for benefits.

Work with your doctor to collect copies and information on any lab tests, imaging tests, diagnoses, and impairments associated with your injury. Submit as much of this information as you can to the SSA. Be prepared to undergo a consultative examination by another physician if the SSA needs more information. Cooperate as much as you can.

Consider contacting a Wilmington disability lawyer if you have questions. A lawyer can help you file your disability claim.

DISABILITY ATTORNEY IN DELAWARE

Dealing with the effects of a spinal cord injury can be draining. Feel free to ask a Delaware disability lawyer for guidance with filing your disability claim. All you have to do is call Edelstein Martin & Nelson today at (302) 295-5050 for a free consultation. Our team of attorneys is prepared to help you defend your disability claim.