When Can You Qualify for SSDI with a Broken Arm?

To qualify for SSDI, your condition must meet the SSA’s definition of disability, which means:

• Your injury or condition must prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA).
• Your condition must last for 12 months or more, or be expected to result in death.

A broken arm in itself is typically a short-term injury, and unless it leads to permanent disability or long-term complications, it’s unlikely to qualify for SSDI benefits. However, if your arm injury results in long-term limitations, such as nerve damage, chronic pain, or severe functional impairment, you may be eligible for SSDI.

How the SSA Evaluates a Broken Arm for SSDI

The SSA evaluates SSDI claims based on its Listing of Impairments, which contains specific criteria for a variety of medical conditions. While a broken arm doesn’t have a specific listing, the SSA may consider it under musculoskeletal disorders if the injury leads to lasting complications, such as:

• Joint or bone deformity
• Loss of limb function
• Severe nerve damage
• Chronic pain
• Difficulty using the arm for basic work tasks

The Five-Step Evaluation Process

The SSA uses a five-step sequential evaluation process to determine if an individual is eligible for SSDI benefits. Here’s how your broken arm may be evaluated:

• Step 1: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
• If you are currently working and earning above a certain threshold ($1,470 per month in 2025), the SSA may determine that you are not disabled and deny your claim. You must not be engaging in substantial gainful activity to qualify.
• Step 2: Severe Impairment
• For your broken arm to qualify, it must be severe enough to significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities, such as lifting, carrying, or performing repetitive tasks. If you have lingering limitations after your injury, you may meet this criterion.
• Step 3: Meet a Listing or Medical Vocational Guidelines
• If your condition results in significant and long-lasting limitations, such as loss of motion, chronic pain, or functional loss, the SSA may evaluate it under the musculoskeletal disorders category. If you can’t meet the SSA’s strict medical criteria for your condition, they will assess whether you qualify for benefits based on the medical vocational guidelines.
• If the SSA finds that you can’t return to your past job due to your broken arm, they will move on to the next step.
• Step 4: Past Work
• The SSA will assess whether you can still perform your previous job despite your injury. If the broken arm prevents you from doing your past work, they will move on to the next step.
• Step 5: Other Work
• Finally, the SSA will determine whether you can do any other type of work, considering your age, education, and work experience, along with the limitations caused by your injury. If your broken arm limits your ability to do basic tasks required in other types of work, you may qualify for SSDI.

What Documentation Do You Need to Apply for SSDI for a Broken Arm?

To apply for SSDI with a broken arm, you’ll need to provide detailed medical documentation that shows how the injury affects your ability to work. Some essential documents include:

• Medical Records: Records from your doctor, orthopedic specialist, or physical therapist detailing your injury, diagnosis, and treatment plan. If you’ve had surgery or rehabilitation for your broken arm, include those records.
• Diagnostic Tests: X-rays, MRIs, or other imaging results that show the extent of the injury or any complications, such as nerve damage or joint deformity.
• Doctor’s Statement: A letter from your treating physician explaining the impact of your injury on your ability to work. This should include details about your functional limitations, such as your ability to lift, carry, and perform repetitive tasks.
• Functional Limitations: A Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form from your doctor that outlines your physical limitations due to the broken arm. This form will help the SSA understand how your injury affects your ability to work.
• Treatment History: Include records of treatments you’ve undergone, such as physical therapy, medications, or surgeries, and how effective they have been in improving your condition.