Musculoskeletal Disability Benefits
Musculoskeletal disabilities are conditions that affect the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and spine. They can cause chronic pain, inflammation, stiffness, numbness, and limited range of motion. This pain and limitation can make it difficult to stand, lift, bend, carry, or stay on task through a full workday. For many people in physically demanding jobs, these limitations can end a career long before retirement.
The Social Security Administration recognizes certain musculoskeletal disorders for Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI. However, eligibility depends on the severity and duration of your symptoms, whether you can perform any work on a sustained basis, and the strength of the medical evidence you submit. The application and appeals process is detailed and technical, and small mistakes can lead to delays or denials.
If you’re applying for Social Security disability benefits for musculoskeletal disorders, National Disability Alliance offers a free case review, services in English and Spanish, and no out-of-pocket fees. With SSA experience on your side, we guide you step by step so you don’t have to go through the process alone.
On this Page
- SSDI Eligibility Requirements for Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Which Musculoskeletal Disorders Qualify for SSDI Benefits?
- Jobs Commonly Impacted by Musculoskeletal Disabilities
- Why Choose National Disability Alliance for Your Musculoskeletal SSDI Claim
- How to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits for Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Get Help Today With Your Musculoskeletal SSDI Claim
SSDI Eligibility Requirements for Musculoskeletal Disorders
The SSA recognizes many musculoskeletal disorders in its so-called Blue Book, which lists qualifying disabling conditions and their corresponding medical criteria. The Blue Book covers such conditions under Section 1.00 Musculoskeletal Disorders.
Meeting a listing is one path to approval. However, if a condition is not listed or does not meet the listed criteria, you can still qualify if your symptoms limit your ability to sustain full-time work.
Eligibility depends on the following factors:
- Severity and duration of your condition, including how long it has lasted and is expected to last
- Objective medical evidence, such as imaging, surgical records, physical exams, and specialist notes
- Functional limitations that prevent you from doing your past work or adjusting to other work
- Treatment history and response to care, including documented flares, side effects, and activity restrictions
- Consistency across medical records, work history, and your statements about pain, mobility, and endurance
Long-term, chronic musculoskeletal conditions are more likely to qualify because they often cause persistent pain, reduced range of motion, and limited ability to lift, carry, stand, or sit through a full workday. Approval isn’t automatic, but clear documentation is key. Thorough medical records, health care professionals’ opinions, and a well-prepared application can make a difference.
Which Musculoskeletal Disorders Qualify for SSDI Benefits?
Musculoskeletal disabilities affect the body’s movement systems, including bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues, often causing pain, stiffness, weakness, and limited range of motion. These challenges can make it difficult to stand, walk, lift, carry, or use your hands consistently throughout the workday.
Common musculoskeletal conditions that qualify for disability include the following:
- Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Degenerative disc disease and back injuries, such as herniated discs and spinal stenosis
- Joint disorders and injuries of the hip, knee, shoulder, and other major joints, including joint replacements
- Fractures and severe trauma that fail to heal properly or cause lasting functional loss
- Connective tissue disorders, including lupus, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain syndromes
Jobs Commonly Impacted by Musculoskeletal Disabilities
Blue-collar jobs especially depend on strength, mobility, and stamina. When pain, stiffness, or limited range of motion sets in, these roles can become impossible to do safely and consistently. Some of these jobs include:
- Construction and trade workers: Frequent heavy lifting and overhead work can result in repetitive strain, falls, and joint or back injuries.
- Warehouse and factory workers: Constant lifting and machine-paced tasks lead to back, shoulder, and knee injuries, as well as strain from conveyor and machinery use.
- Truck drivers: Long hours of sitting, combined with the vibration of a truck, can result in neck and back pain, sciatica, and a limited range of motion.
- Health care workers: Regularly lifting and repositioning patients increases the risk of repetitive stress, herniated disks, and joint and back injuries.
Service workers: Performing repetitive motions and working in awkward postures can cause knee, hip, and shoulder pain.
Why Choose National Disability Alliance for Your Musculoskeletal SSDI Claim
When musculoskeletal pain and limited mobility threaten your livelihood, you need a team that knows how SSA really works. National Disability Alliance helps adults with disabilities secure the Social Security benefits they’ve earned. Backed by former SSA professionals, you use the most efficient technology and offer compassionate guidance to move your case forward. We offer a free case review, provide services in English and Spanish, and you pay nothing out of pocket unless you win.
We are here to answer your questions about disability benefits and provide compassionate, step-by-step guidance from start to finish.
“The SSDI Advantage of Inside Knowledge”
How to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits for Musculoskeletal Disorders
Getting started can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with pain and limitations. Below are the basic steps of applying for Social Security disability benefits for a musculoskeletal condition.
- Gather medical evidence: Collect doctor and medical records, imaging, surgical notes, physical therapy logs, medication lists, and a clear treatment history.
- File your initial application with SSA: Submit your SSDI application online, by phone, or in person. List all conditions, all treating providers, medications, and your complete work history, including a thorough description of the required tasks.
- Expect a denial: The SSA denies most claims at the initial level, including many valid claims. File a reconsideration within the deadline, keep treating, and submit any new medical records.
- Attend a disability hearing before an Administrative Law Judge: If your reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing. The judge will hear testimony from you and other witnesses, including vocational experts. Success often depends on well-organized records, supportive doctor statements, and clear testimony about your day-to-day limits.
Musculoskeletal claims hinge on precise documentation of pain, range of motion, imaging findings, and functional capacity. An experienced disability lawyer can build a strong case with thorough medical records and strong health care provider opinions. They can prepare you for testimony, connect your limitations to your job duties, establish how you meet the eligibility criteria, and significantly improve your chances of approval.
Get Help Today With Your Musculoskeletal SSDI Claim
Musculoskeletal conditions are among the most common reasons people qualify for disability benefits. If pain, stiffness, or limited mobility prevent you from working, you may be eligible for SSDI.
You don’t have to face this process alone. Contact National Disability Alliance today for a free case review, nationwide support, and services in English and Spanish. With SSA experience on your side and no out-of-pocket fees unless you win, we’ll guide you through every step, from application to appeals and hearings.
Helpful Resources To Get You Started
Types of Disabilities
Learn which conditions qualify for SSDI and SSI – and how medical documentation plays a key role.
Types of Disabilities
Disability Benefits
Explore the benefits available through Social Security Disability and what you can expect to receive.
Disability Benefits
Application Process
A step-by-step look at how to apply for disability benefits – and how we can help simplify the process.
Application Process
FAQs
Have questions? Find quick answers to the most common disability questions we hear from applicants.
FAQs
