This post discusses leg pain and Social Security Disability benefits. There are many possible causes of leg pain, e.g. arthritis, vascular disease, diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia, just to name a few.
Social Security Disability Benefits
SSA offers two main types of benefits for the disabled, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is based on the credits from the work you have done in the last 10 years while SSI is a need based program based on income and resources. You must be found disabled under SSA's Five Step Evaluation before you are entitled to either type of benefit.
Can you get disability for leg pain?
Leg pain, without a diagnosis or medical records to support it, will probably not make you eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. The first step for anyone that is unable to work due to leg pain is to go to the doctor to find the cause of your leg pain and begin prescribed medical treatment. If you are unable to afford to go to the doctor, check out our video Disabled without insurance in North Carolina.
After you file for benefits, the Social Security Administration will evaluate your case based on the cause of your leg pain and how you respond to treatment. If you are still unable to work even after seeking medical treatment, filing a claim for SSDI and/or SSI with your local SSA office may be the right move for you.
Can you get disability for arthritis in your legs?
There are many types of arthritis that may affect your legs: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Gout and Lupus. Arthritis can range from mild to severe. Someone with mild arthritis will have problems being approved for disability on that diagnosis alone.
If your leg pain is from arthritis, SSA can use the Musculoskeletal Listings, to evaluate your arthritis. Specifically, Listings 1.17 - 1.20 can be used. A recurrent theme throughout these listings is the requirement for a walker, bilateral canes, or bilateral crutches or a wheeled and seated mobility device involving the use of both hands.
This listing, as with most listings, is difficult to meet. SSA can also use the Medical Vocational Guidelines (Grids) to find you disabled if your leg pain affects your ability to walk and stand.
Other causes of leg pain
Another cause of leg pain can be vascular disease. The Social Security Administration evaluates Peripheral Vascular Disease under Listing 4.11 or 4.12. For more read our post on Peripheral Vascular Disease and Disability benefits.
Many diabetics suffer from neuropathy which can cause leg and foot pain. The burning, numbness and tingling can severely affect your ability to walk. The Social Security Administration can evaluate your claim for disability benefits for neuropathy under 11.14 Peripheral Neuropathies. Read our post Disability Benefits for Neuropathy for more information.
Fibromyalgia can affect many parts of body, including the legs. While SSA does not have a specific listing for fibromyalgia, the Social Security Administration has recognized that Fibromyalgia can be a severe impairment. Read Fibromyalgia and Social Security Disability.
If you are unable to work despite following your doctor's advice because of your leg pain, filing a claim for Social Security Disability benefits may be your next move. Apply for disability benefits as soon as possible and call The Bishop Firm for your free case evaluation, (919) 615-3095 or start your free case review now.