Social Security Disability or SSI Benefits Due to Amputations

A person can qualify for Social Security Disability or SSI benefits if she has suffered from an amputation or amputations. The Social Security Administration (SSA) follows a step-by-step evaluation to determine if someone is medically qualified for disability benefits. At the third step of the process, the SSA looks to see if the person has an impairment or several impairments that meet or equal a “listing.” The listing is as follows:

1.05 Amputation (due to any cause)

A. Both hands;

or

B. One or both lower extremities at or above the tarsal region, with stump complications resulting in medical inability to use a prosthetic device to ambulate effectively, as defined in 1.00B2b, which have lasted or are expected to last for at least 12 months;

or

C. One hand and one lower extremity at or above the tarsal region, with inability to ambulate effectively, as defined in 1.00B2b;

or

D. Hemipelvectomy or hip disarticulation.

Inability to ambulate effectively means an extreme limitation of the ability to walk; i.e., an impairment(s) that interferes very seriously with the individual’s ability to independently initiate, sustain, or complete activities. Ineffective ambulation is defined generally as having insufficient lower extremity functioning to permit independent ambulation without the use of a hand-held assistive device(s) that limits the functioning of both upper extremities.

Individuals must be capable of sustaining a reasonable walking pace over a sufficient distance to be able to carry out activities of daily living. They must have the ability to travel without companion assistance to and from a place of employment or school.

If a claimant does not qualify for benefits based on this Listing, the impairments can still be considered when determining whether she can return to past employment or whether jobs exist in the local and national economy. For instance, if lifting, standing, walking, sitting, or pushing/pulling are significantly limited, these factors might eliminate jobs existing in the local or national economy to the point a claimant is found disabled.

If you need more information about a Social Security Disability/SSI, personal injury, EEOICPA, long or short-term disability, VA disability, Railroad Retirement Board disability, or a workers compensation matter, please contact the Law Offices of Tony Farmer and John Dreiser for a free case evaluation. We can be reached at (865) 584-1211 or (800) 806-4611 or through our website. Our office handles claims throughout Tennessee.