Steps to Determine If You Qualify for SSDI for a Broken Wrist

Understand SSDI Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must meet two key criteria:

• Work History: You need to have worked and paid into Social Security for a certain number of years, which depends on your age.
• Severe Condition: Your condition must prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months, or be expected to result in death.

For a broken wrist, SSDI approval depends on the severity and long-term impact of the injury. If you can still perform work-related tasks or have fully recovered in a short period of time, you may not qualify. However, if your wrist injury leads to long-term or permanent limitations, you may be eligible for SSDI.

Provide Detailed Medical Documentation

The most critical part of your SSDI claim is providing comprehensive medical documentation that proves your injury is severe enough to prevent you from working. For a broken wrist, this includes:

• Medical Records: Ensure that you have a detailed history of your wrist injury, including X-rays, MRIs, and notes from your doctor.
• Doctor’s Opinion: A letter from your treating physician explaining how the injury affects your ability to perform daily tasks and work-related activities is essential. Your doctor should detail any limitations, such as difficulty using your hand or wrist, reduced grip strength, or pain that persists despite treatment.
• Specialist Input: If you have seen a specialist (e.g., an orthopedic surgeon or hand therapist), their notes can provide additional evidence to support your claim.

Understand the SSA’s Disability Criteria

The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates SSDI claims using a five-step process. Here’s how your claim might be assessed if you have a broken wrist:

• Step 1: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): If you are still working or earning above a certain income threshold, you may be deemed not disabled.
• Step 2: Severe Condition: Your injury must be severe enough that it limits your ability to perform basic work activities. This might include an inability to lift, carry, or manipulate objects with your injured hand.
• Step 3: Meet a Listed Impairment: For a broken wrist to qualify as an automatic impairment, it must meet specific criteria. For example, if your injury results in permanent loss of the use of your hand or wrist, you may qualify under the SSA’s “Loss of Use of Hands or Arms” category.
• Step 4: Past Work: The SSA will assess if you can perform your past work despite the injury. If not, they will move on to the next step.
• Step 5: Other Work: Finally, the SSA will consider whether you can perform other types of work based on your skills, education, and age.

Stay Organized and Follow Up

Once your SSDI application is submitted, make sure to stay organized and keep track of all documents and communications with the SSA:

• Create an SSA Online Account: This will help you monitor your claim’s status and check for updates.
• Follow Up: If you don’t receive updates on your claim, don’t hesitate to contact the SSA for clarification.

Be Prepared for a Possible Denial

It’s common for SSDI claims to be denied initially, even for valid claims. If your claim is denied, don’t give up. You can appeal the decision:

• Request Reconsideration: This is the first step in appealing a denial, where the SSA will re-review your claim.
• Request a Hearing: If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to present your case in person.
• Provide Additional Evidence: Make sure to gather any new medical evidence that supports your claim during the appeals process.

Consider Legal Assistance if Necessary

While it’s possible to apply for SSDI without legal help, a disability lawyer can significantly improve your chances of success, especially if your case is complicated or you need to appeal a denial. An attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence, navigate the application process, and represent you during hearings.