When it comes to Social Security Disability benefits, being “disabled,” as that term is defined by the Social Security Administration, is all about whether or not a person is able to continue to work and earn an income. As our readers may know from having seen previous posts here, the SSA heavily scrutinizes applications for SSD benefits, leading to many initial applications being denied. Therefore, the severity of a person’s disability is crucial.
So, is, for example, a neck injury sufficient to qualify an applicant to receive Social Security Disability benefits? Well, as with many questions when it comes to SSD benefits, the answer is “it depends.” At first glance, our readers may think that a neck injury, when compared to, say, a brain injury, may not be as severe. However, neck injuries can be quite serious, leaving people who suffer from these injuries unable to continue in their current employment.
Neck injuries can leave a person dealing with muscle strains and nerve compression, which can limit the person’s ability to move their head without experiencing significant pain. Also, some types of diseases, such as arthritis, may leave a person with severe neck pain as well. Beyond the pain of these neck injuries or illnesses, other problems may arise as well, such as persistent and severe headaches. In all, the symptoms from neck injuries or illnesses can leave a person unable to work and earn an income.
Although there are many common injuries and illnesses that may qualify a person to receive Social Security Disability benefits, each person’s health circumstances are different. Alabama residents who are experiencing health problems related to their neck, whether it is due to an injury or illness, may be able to apply to receive SSD benefits.