Generally, the same information applies for those wishing to get disability from social security who have suffered fractures of different bones in their legs. In most cases of severe fractures, surgery will have been done. All medical evidence from doctors including x-rays and MRI studies will be sent to those reviewing cases at the state level. Your doctor will state in his records how well you are progressing towards recovering.
HAVE YOUR DOCTOR GIVE HIS MEDICAL OPINION
Your doctor should give his opinion regarding the severity of your disability. It is important to know the social security rule regarding how long your impairment can be expected to last. It must last at least one year. Often in cases of fractures, with treatment, one may improve considerably and by one year after a fracture you may have no difficulty walking. However, if your fractures on x-rays show evidence of nonunion(no healing of the fracture) within one year combined with inability to effectively ambulate(walking is very difficult and cannot be sustained over an ordinary day; need a walker, crutches, then your chances of getting benefits is greatly increased. If after reviewing your case the state is unable to determine your status, they may require you to have a physical examination which is paid for by the state. The state will also ask you to provide information about your ability to perform everyday activities such as housework, how much pain you have and ability to stand and walk. In addition, it is important that you keep up with your visits to the doctor so that the state can know what your current status is regarding abililty to stand and walk.
As a former claims examiner who has reviewed disability cases for social security over many years I understand what is the critical information needed to improve one’s chances for obtaining an allowance.
If you are denied an allowance, it may be helpful if you seek the assistance of an attorney familiar with disability law.