Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip. Whiplash is commonly caused by rear-end car crashes. But whiplash also can result from sports accidents, physical abuse and other types of traumas, such as a fall. Whiplash may be called a neck sprain or strain, but these terms also include other types of neck injuries. Most people with whiplash get better within a few weeks by following a treatment plan that includes pain medicine and exercise. However, some people have long-lasting neck pain and other complications. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 1.00 of the Blue Book.
Does Whiplash Qualify for Disability?
Yes, people with whiplash do qualify, but they need to meet the requirements of the SSA’s guidelines for this disability. Here they are below:
- Your condition meets (is equivalent to) the guidelines laid out in the Blue Book for other conditions. Most of the conditions the SSA personnel will use for comparative purposes are in Section 1.00 (Musculoskeletal System), particularly the sections dealing with the neck and major joints.
- The symptoms of your condition are severe enough that you cannot reasonably be expected to function in any job which you have performed, are qualified for, or could be trained for.
- Your whiplash condition must be medically verified. This generally includes some form of medical imaging (X-ray, MRI, etc.).
- Your medical documentation proves that your condition is not expected to improve to the point that you could be expected to work within a year from the date you first became disabled. This generally means being under a doctor’s care for an extensive period of time (at least three months, often longer) and showing that your condition has not sufficiently improved despite following all therapies prescribed.
It is important to continue receiving medical treatment while your claim is being evaluated. Your compliance with your doctor’s orders can have a direct impact on whether your claim is ultimately approved.
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 whiplash and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
