Understand SSDI Eligibility Requirements

Before you apply for SSDI, you must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the Social Security Administration (SSA):

• Work history: You need to have worked and paid into the Social Security system for a certain number of years.
• Severe condition: Your shoulder injury must be severe enough to prevent you from performing any work-related tasks.
• Duration of disability: Your shoulder injury must be expected to last for at least 12 months or be severe enough to result in death.

If your injury meets these criteria, you may be eligible for SSDI benefits.

Provide Comprehensive Medical Documentation

The most critical part of your SSDI claim is medical evidence. To increase your chances of approval, you must provide detailed documentation showing how your shoulder injury limits your ability to work. This includes:

• Medical records: Your doctor’s notes, X-rays, MRI results, and any other diagnostic tests that show the extent of your injury.
• Treatments and surgeries: Documentation of any treatments you’ve received, including physical therapy, medications, or surgeries.
• Doctor’s opinions: A letter from your treating physician explaining how your shoulder injury prevents you from performing work-related tasks. The more specific and detailed the letter, the better.
• Work limitations: Information from your doctor about how your shoulder injury impacts your ability to perform tasks such as lifting, reaching, or carrying.

Having this medical evidence will demonstrate the severity of your condition and help the SSA understand the extent of your disability.

Understand the SSA’s Disability Evaluation Process

The SSA evaluates your claim based on a five-step process. For SSDI approval with a shoulder injury, the most relevant steps are:

• Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): If you’re currently working and earning above the SGA threshold, you may be found not disabled.
• Severe Condition: Your shoulder injury must significantly limit your ability to perform work tasks. For example, if you can’t lift, carry, or reach, this may qualify.
• Meet a Listed Impairment: The SSA has a Listing of Impairments, which includes conditions like musculoskeletal disorders. If your shoulder injury is severe enough (e.g., a rotator cuff tear or dislocated shoulder), you may meet the criteria for a listed impairment.
• Past Work: The SSA will determine whether you can still perform your previous job despite the injury.
• Other Work: If you can’t do your past work, the SSA will consider whether you can perform any other type of work based on your skills, age, and education.

You’ll need to provide enough evidence to meet the SSA’s definition of a severe impairment and demonstrate how your shoulder injury limits your ability to work.

Be Ready for the Possibility of an Appeal

It’s common for SSDI claims, especially for musculoskeletal disorders like shoulder injuries, to be denied on the first attempt. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. The appeal process includes:

• Reconsideration: The SSA will review your case again, considering any new evidence you provide.
• Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing where you can present your case in person.
• Appeals Council: If the ALJ denies your claim, you can ask the Appeals Council to review the decision.
• Federal Court: If the Appeals Council rejects your case, you can take it to federal court.

Having the right evidence and representation can improve your chances of winning your appeal.

Stay Organized and Follow Up

Once you’ve submitted your SSDI application, make sure to follow up regularly. You can:

• Create an SSA online account to track the status of your application and see if additional documents are needed.
• Stay organized: Keep copies of all correspondence and documents submitted to the SSA.
• Respond quickly: If the SSA requests additional information, be sure to provide it promptly to avoid delays in your claim.