Some shoulder injuries can cause severe limitations and chronic pain. These effects can have a significant impact on your life, limiting your ability to work and complete other tasks you once took for granted. Does this mean a shoulder injury qualifies for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits?
Below, our Oshkosh Social Security Disability lawyers explain the types of shoulder injuries that might qualify for SSD benefits and the eligibility criteria.
Yes, a severe shoulder injury can qualify for Social Security disability benefits if it prevents consistent work activity and is supported by medical evidence. Disability claims often depend on proving functional limitations, treatment history, pain severity, reduced mobility, and the inability to perform substantial gainful employment under Social Security rules.
If you are thinking of applying for benefits or have already done so and been denied, contact Sigman Janssen. We have helped many people with disabilities secure Social Security Disability and there are no upfront costs with our services.
Proven results. Experienced attorneys. Call Sigman Janssen Injury & Disability Lawyers today: (877)-888-5201.
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for SSD Benefits for a Shoulder Injury?
The Social Security Administration Blue Book does not have a specific listing for shoulder injuries. However, there are listings for disabilities involving joints. For instance, your shoulder injury might qualify under Listing 1.18 for abnormality of a major joint in an extremity.
Applicants may qualify for benefits under this listing if they can prove they can prove all the following:
- Chronic stiffness or pain in the shoulder
- Instability in the joint, abnormal movement or immobilization of the joint
- An anatomical abnormality that has been identified through a physical exam and medical imaging test
- Physical limitation that has already lasted one year or is expected to last for a minimum of 12 months; you must also provide documentation of one of the following three things:
- You have a medical need for a device to assist with your mobility (walker, bilateral cane or crutches, wheeled or seated device that requires you to use both hands)
- You cannot use one of your arms to initiate, sustain or complete work-related activity without helps; these activities must involve fine and gross movements; you must provide documentation showing you need an assistive device
- You cannot use both your arms to initiate, sustain or finish work-related activity that requires fine or gross movements
You could also qualify for benefits under Listing 14.09 for inflammatory arthritis. Disabilities involving the upper extremities may qualify under this listing if you can provide proof of:
- Deformity or inflammation in a joint in an upper extremity that involves two or more body systems; at least two of the following symptoms: fever, severe fatigue, unexplained weight loss, malaise; OR
Persistent inflammatory arthritis that limits daily living activities, social functioning or trouble finishing tasks promptly because of problems with concentration, persistence or pace; the arthritis must be accompanied by at least two of these symptoms: fever, severe fatigue, unexplained weight loss, malaise
Qualifying Without Meeting All the Medical Criteria
Even if you do not meet all the medical criteria required by the Social Security Administration (SSA), you might still qualify for benefits through a medical-vocational allowance. Some situations that may qualify you include:
Combination of Impairments
If you have several medical conditions that collectively restrict your ability to work, even if each condition alone would not. For instance, moderate shoulder impingement and mild chronic lower back pain may not individually qualify for SSD benefits, but together, they can significantly impact your ability to complete tasks at work.
Residual Functional Capacity
If your residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment shows that you cannot perform the duties of any job you are qualified for, you might be eligible for benefits. An RFC assessment is an evaluation the SSA conducts to determine the most you are capable of despite your condition or disability.
Non-Medical Qualifications
Your age, education, and work experience also factor into qualifying for benefits. These aspects determine your ability to adapt to different types of work, based on your qualifications.
Types of Shoulder Injuries That Might Qualify for Benefits
You may be eligible for SSD benefits for several different types of shoulder injuries:
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): This injury cause victims to experience stiffness and shoulder joint pain. Frozen shoulder, as the name implies, can significantly limit the range of motion in your shoulder.
- Rotator Cuff Tears: This injury tears the muscles or tendons that support your shoulder joint. These tears can be painful and limit range of motion.
- Shoulder Impingement: This injury occurs when the muscles in your shoulder swell. The swelling can crowd the space between your arm and shoulder bones, which could be a sharp or pinching pain.
- Shoulder Dislocation: This injury happens when the upper arm bone dislocates from the socket in the shoulder blade.
- Calcific Tendonitis: This is a condition that occurs when calcium deposits form in your rotator cuff. The calcium buildup in this area can cause inflammation or swelling.
- Shoulder Osteoarthritis: A condition where the cartilage lining your shoulder bones deteriorates, causing pain and stiffness.
FAQs About Disability Benefits for Shoulder Injuries
Can a shoulder injury qualify for Social Security disability benefits?
Yes, a shoulder injury can qualify for Social Security disability benefits when it prevents sustained full-time work and is supported by medical evidence. Disability claims depend on proving functional limitations, treatment history, pain severity, reduced range of motion, and whether the claimant can perform past work or other available jobs.
What medical evidence helps prove a disability claim for a shoulder injury?
Medical evidence for a shoulder disability claim should show the diagnosis, treatment history, imaging results, surgery records, physical therapy notes, pain levels, and work-related restrictions. Social Security reviews whether the evidence proves lasting functional limits. Sigman Janssen Injury & Disability Lawyers can help organize the records around the disability standard.
Can a rotator cuff tear make someone eligible for SSDI?
Yes, a rotator cuff tear can support SSDI eligibility when it causes long-term lifting, reaching, carrying, or overhead work restrictions. The legal issue is whether the injury prevents substantial gainful employment, not whether the shoulder condition exists. Medical records must connect the tear to specific work limitations.
How does Social Security evaluate shoulder pain in a disability claim?
Social Security evaluates shoulder pain by comparing the claimant’s symptoms with objective medical evidence, treatment response, daily activities, and functional capacity. Pain matters legally when it limits reliable work activity. Sigman Janssen Injury & Disability Lawyers can help explain how shoulder pain affects lifting, reaching, attendance, and job performance.
Can a work-related shoulder injury also lead to a disability claim?
Yes, a work-related shoulder injury can support a disability claim if the impairment prevents substantial gainful employment for the required period. Workers’ compensation and SSDI have different legal standards, but both rely on medical evidence, causation, restrictions, and proof of lost earning capacity. Each claim should be documented carefully.
What if a shoulder injury was caused by a car accident?
A shoulder injury caused by a car accident can involve both a personal injury claim and a disability benefits claim. The injury claim focuses on negligence, causation, medical expenses, lost income, and damages, while SSDI focuses on the ability to work. Sigman Janssen Injury & Disability Lawyers can assess both legal issues.
Can limited shoulder mobility affect whether I can return to work?
Yes, limited shoulder mobility can affect whether a claimant can return to work, especially in jobs requiring lifting, reaching, pushing, pulling, driving, or repetitive arm use. Social Security considers whether those restrictions prevent past work or other jobs in the national economy. Long-term limitations should be supported by medical records.
When should I take legal action for disability benefits after a shoulder injury?
Legal action should be considered when a shoulder injury causes lasting work restrictions, repeated treatment, surgery, chronic pain, or denial of disability benefits. The claim must show how the condition prevents sustained employment under Social Security rules. Sigman Janssen Injury & Disability Lawyers can review the denial, evidence gaps, and appeal options.
Sigman Janssen Helps Social Security Disability Applicants Secure Benefits. Call Today.
If you have suffered a shoulder injury and are unsure about your eligibility for SSD benefits, we want to help.
Call us today to set up a free consultation. Let the team at Sigman Janssen Injury & Disability Lawyers help you secure the support you need to manage your shoulder injury and regain stability in your life. If we move forward with your case, we will not charge any fees unless we obtain benefits for you.
Learn more about our services by calling: (877)-888-5201.