Seeking Disability Benefits After a Spinal Cord Injury

Certain types of spinal cord injuries can lead to permanent impairments that can significantly impact work performance. Some people with spinal cord injuries may no longer be able to work the same hours or may not be able to work at all. This can lead to serious financial problems. The good news is that disability benefits can be used to cover financial losses if this has happened to you. Be sure to talk with a Pennsylvania individual disability insurance lawyer to learn more about what steps you can take to receive these benefits. 

Spinal Cord Injury Impairments

Spinal cord injuries can be broken down into incomplete and complete spinal cord injuries. Incomplete spinal cord injuries are less serious and may only involve partial loss of movement or sensation below the damaged site. People with this kind of injury may still be able to move one arm or leg and may have better control over one side of their body. 

Complete spinal cord injuries cause a complete loss of movement and sensation below the site of the injury. Depending on the injury site, a person may no longer be able to walk, may not be able to breathe without a device, or may not be able to use their arms and hands. This type of injury can be lifelong and may leave a person in a wheelchair with the need for assistance for everyday tasks. 

For people who work physically demanding jobs, a complete spinal cord injury can make returning to this line of work impossible. Incomplete spinal cord injuries may still allow someone to work physical jobs, but this may not be true depending on the type of job and the severity of symptoms. 

Disability Benefits for Spinal Cord Injuries

You may be wondering what steps you need to take to receive financial assistance for your spinal cord injury after you are no longer able to work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers disability benefits for spinal cord injuries under certain conditions. 

There are several impairments and symptoms caused by spinal cord injuries that can affect work performance. Some examples include:

• Urinary incontinence
• Pain
• Problems with breathing
• Numb limbs
• Unable to regulate involuntary body mechanisms like the heart
• Loss of movement
• Involuntary muscle contractions

When you are applying for disability benefits, you will be required to submit medical evidence on your condition like medical images, medical records of surgeries or treatments, and written statements from your doctor. Your spinal cord injury must also markedly diminish your ability to work to the point that you cannot work the same hours or cannot work at all. 

Disability Benefits Lawyer in Pennsylvania 

Filing for disability benefits after a spinal cord injury can be difficult, especially if your application is denied. Consider hiring a Pennsylvania denied benefits appeal lawyer if you have not been able to obtain the benefits you need. Call Edelstein Martin & Nelson today at 1-800-300-0909 for a consultation. We will work with you to help build a strong claim with evidence and adequate documentation of how your condition prevents you from working.