Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Fracture of a Lower Extremity
Fractures of a lower extremity, such as the femur, tibia, or pelvis are medical emergencies that can be caused by traumatic events like car accidents, falls, or sports accidents. If one or more of these bones is broken, it can make bending, walking, climbing stairs, and other daily activities difficult. Most people who have fractured one of these leg bones require some form of ambulatory assistance, like a wheelchair, a walker, crutches, or canes. If the fracture has not properly set, this dependency could be long term. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 1.06 of the Blue Book.
Does Fracture of a Lower Extremity Qualify for Disability?
Yes, people with lower extremity fractures of the femur, tibia, or pelvis do qualify, but they need to meet the requirements of the SSA’s guidelines for this disability. The listing for Lower Extremity Fracture (Section 1.06) requires a break in your tibia, femur, pelvis, or tarsal bones with:
- Imaging that shows there has been no healing of the bone
- A physical exam in which the doctor could tell by movement or by the feel of the extremity that the bone hasn’t reunited and
- The inability to walk effectively for at least 12 months.
Usually, the SSA requires that your fracture hasn’t healed for at least 6 months and the doctor’s opinion is that it is not likely to heal for at least a year. Your doctor is required to present evidence to effectively back up his opinion.
If you don’t meet the specifics of the listing, you may still have a condition that is considered the equivalent in severity to a listing if your impairments are severe and have at least a 12-month duration. This is called the medical-vocational allowance and is done using a residual functional capacity (RFC).
How Do I Apply for Disability Benefits?
To apply for disability benefits, it’s important to understand the disability application process. If you’ve been diagnosed with a fracture of a lower extremity and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
