If you have one or more amputations and are unable to work, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Once you submit your application for disability, Social Security will evaluate your condition and medical records in accordance with the listings found in the Blue Book.
Social Security Listing
Social Security evaluates amputations under listing 1.05. To meet the listing found in the Blue Book, you should have the operative report and subsequent medical records for the amputation(s).
The following amputations meet the listing:
- Amputation of both hands;
- Amputation of one (or both) of your legs at or above your ankle, with stump complications following the procedure that result in a medical inability to use a prosthetic device to ambulate effectively for a period of at least twelve months;
- Amputation of one hand AND one lower extremity at or above the ankle, with the inability to ambulate effectively; or
- A hemipelvectomy or hip disarticulation.
I Don’t Meet a Listing!
If you don’t meet the listing, you still may qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits. In this case, you will need medical records that show that you will be unable to work for at least twelve months, based on your condition, symptoms, medication side effects, or treatment schedule.
To prove your case, you will need the imaging reports; a detailed history of your treatments (including any operative reports and physical therapy notes); and information on the types of medication you take following the amputation(s).
If you have undergone one or more amputations and are unable to work due to your condition, contact a local attorney today if you have any questions.