Soft tissue injuries may not be considered by some to be as serious as other types of injuries, but these injuries can still prevent people from working if they are severe enough. This is especially true if the injury involves torn tissues like ligaments, tendons, or muscles. The two most commonly known soft tissue injuries are strains and sprains. Burns are also considered a type of soft tissue damage and depending on the severity, can hinder work performance. Be sure to talk with an experienced Pennsylvania individual disability insurance lawyer if you have encountered obstacles to receiving the disability benefits you need.

Types of Soft Tissue Injuries

Some of the most common soft tissue injuries include sprains, strains, burns, contusions, tendonitis, and bursitis. Contusions may not always qualify for disability benefits if they heal within a short period of time. Tendonitis and bursitis involve inflammation of soft tissues in the body.

Tendonitis involves tendon inflammation and bursitis involves inflammation of the bursa, the cushion between your bones. These can cause significant pain and discomfort. This can make working physically demanding jobs difficult and stressful. Without rest and proper treatment, these conditions may worsen and require injections.

Strains and sprains involve damage to the tissues of the body that control and hold the bones together to allow movement. Damage to these tissues can decrease a person’s ability to move with pain and stiffness. Strains happen when muscle tissues are stretched or torn. Sprains happen when ligaments are stretched or torn.

Depending on the severity, sprains or strains can require surgery with long recovery times and possible impairments in movement. Physical rehabilitation and additional treatments can help some people. However, if your condition has not improved, a strain or sprain might prevent you from working.

When Disability Benefits Apply for Soft Tissue Injuries 

Disability benefits are offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) when a person is no longer able to work the same hours or no longer able to work at all as a direct result of a physical or mental disability. Disability benefits for soft tissue injuries are offered for soft tissue injuries and soft tissue burns.

Soft tissue injuries covered by disability benefits include sprains, strains, and severe contusions. Burns in this category include burns caused by fire, chemicals, radiation, electricity, and scalding liquids. All of these types of burns fall under the SSA Blue Book Section called Adult Musculoskeletal System. This is where you will look for your condition when you apply for benefits.

However, to qualify for benefits, you will need to provide evidence with your medical records that your soft tissue damage has either caused a problem with limb function, movement, or fine muscle movements. This must be expected to last at least 12 months.

Disability Lawyer in Pennsylvania 

Filing a disability claim can be a long and complicated process. If you are missing even one document or piece of evidence, the SSA may reject your claim and you could go longer without receiving the financial help you need. Consider hiring a Pennsylvania denied insurance benefits lawyer for guidance on submitting these claims. Call Edelstein & Nelson today at (800) 300-0909 for a consultation.