Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Torn ACL
An ACL injury is a tear or sprain of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) — one of the strong bands of tissue that help connect your thigh bone (femur) to your shinbone (tibia). ACL injuries most commonly occur during sports that involve sudden stops or changes in direction, jumping and landing — such as soccer, basketball, football and downhill skiing.
Many people hear a pop or feel a “popping” sensation in the knee when an ACL injury occurs. Your knee may swell, feel unstable and become too painful to bear weight. Depending on the severity of your ACL injury, treatment may include rest and rehabilitation exercises to help you regain strength and stability, or surgery to replace the torn ligament followed by rehabilitation. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 1.00 of the Blue Book.
Does Torn ACL Qualify for Disability?
Although torn ACL is not listed in the SSA’s Blue Book, an applicant with a torn ACL may qualify under Section 1.02 – Major Dysfunction of a Joint. In order to qualify for disability benefits under this listing, you must be able to provide medical evidence of the following:
- That you suffer from a major dysfunction of a joint that is characterized by gross anatomical deformity and chronic joint pain and stiffness along with signs of limitation of motion or other abnormal motion of the affected area
- The joint involved is one of the major peripheral weight-bearing joints
In order to prove that you meet the above criteria you will need to provide the SSA with:
- Medical images of your knee
- Evidence that the condition is expected to last a minimum of 12 months.
- Medical records showing that the injury has resulted in severe limitation of mobility
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 torn ACL and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
