Disability Due to Musculoskeletal Disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders can be disabling and affect the proper functioning of the spine, bones, major joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles or other soft tissues. These conditions may be congenital or acquired and may include deformities, amputations, or other abnormalities. Very commonly a person may have more than one related condition at a time.

Muscular and skeletal conditions that are evaluated for disability benefits

The Social Security Administration evaluates disorders of the spine or upper and lower extremities that affect musculoskeletal functioning. The term “skeletal” refers to the structure of the bony skeleton. The skeletal spine refers to the bony structures, ligaments, and discs that make up the spine. We refer to the skeletal spine to differentiate it from the neurological spine.

Soft tissue injuries, including burns or abnormalities that are under ongoing surgical treatment, are also evaluated. Injuries or abnormalities can affect any part of the body, including the face and skull.

Curvatures of the skeletal spine that affect musculoskeletal functioning are evaluated. If a skeletal spinal curvature is under ongoing surgical management, it will be evaluated using rules to determine medical equivalence.

There are a whole range of medical conditions that fall into this category for applying for disability. Among the most common are:

• Back pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Herniated discs
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Muscular dystrophy
• Scoliosis
• Bone fractures
• Burns
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

This is not a complete list of musculoskeletal disorders that are evaluated for disability. There are many other similar painful medical conditions that Social Security considers may be disabling. The Social Security Administration evaluates each case individually and determines whether you should receive disability benefits.

What to do to apply for Social Security for musculoskeletal disorders

Remember that you may have any of these conditions, but not necessarily qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Perhaps you could have another condition not listed here, but still be eligible. You need to have a medical record with diagnosis and treatment for that condition and show that it affects or prevents you from working, among other things. If you meet these requirements and have recently contributed to Social Security, we can help you.

It is important that you consult with our Social Security attorneys about the requirements and process for applying for disability benefits for musculoskeletal disorders.

The consultation is free and confidential. We do not charge anything until your case is approved. Request a consultation today.