Burn Injuries and SSDI Benefits

Eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is based on two overarching factors: an applicant having a disability as it is defined by the Social Security Administration (SSA), and having a sufficient work history such that they have enough “credits” to receive SSDI payments. As for the first factor, to approve an SSDI application, a person must have a medical condition that has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in their death, and the condition must be serious enough that it prevents them from engaging in any substantial gainful activity (or SGA). Many medical conditions that can result in approval for SSDI benefits are contained within the SSA Blue Book, including burns.

If you recently sustained serious burn injuries, you could be eligible for SSDI benefits. Our national SSDI attorney can explain in more detail.

Burns in the SSA Blue Book 

Burns, including burn injuries, are listed under Section 8.00 of the Blue Book, which is a chapter that discusses a range of skin conditions and requirements for Social Security benefits.

The Blue Book clarifies that electrical, chemical, and thermal burns may all result in the types of burn injuries discussed in its definitions. At the same time, if you have suffered burn injuries that are impairing but are still under surgical management, they will likely be evaluated under Section 1.00 for musculoskeletal disorders since the burns likely impact other body systems.

When Long-Term Effects of Burns Qualify for SSDI Benefits

According to Section 8.00 of the Blue Book, a person with burns that have reached the end of their possibilities for surgical management and have resulted in chronic skin lesions or contractures that cause chronic pain or other physical impairment may be eligible for SSDI benefits. The Blue Book specifically lists the following as evidence that a person’s burns qualify them medically for SSDI benefits:

• Inability to use their upper extremities because of chronic skin lesions or contractures, and to the extent that neither of their upper extremities can be used independently to perform work-related activities;
• Inability to use one of their upper extremities in the manner described above, along with the need for an assistive device that requires use of the other extremity;
• Inability to stand from a seated position and to maintain an upright position, due to chronic skin lesions or contractures that affect at least two extremities (upper or lower), to the extent that neither of those extremities can be used independently to perform work-related activities;
• Inability to maintain an upright position, due to chronic skin lesions or contractures on both lower extremities, to the extent that would be necessary to perform work-related activities.

Contact Our National Disability Benefits Attorneys for Assistance 

Benefits provided through the SSDI program are often what allow adults with severe disabilities to heal over time, and even when their disabilities are permanent, to continue providing for themselves and their families. Burn injuries can be especially damaging to a person’s physical and mental health and well-being, and many Americans with severe burn injuries seek and receive SSDI benefits. Whether you need assistance with your initial application for SSDI benefits, or you need help appealing an initial denial, one of the experienced national SSDI benefits lawyers at the Law Offices of Stephen Barszcz can assist you. Contact us today for more information.

Source:

ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/8.00-Skin-Adult.htm#8_08