If you have sustained a work-related injury that has resulted in chronic pain, it can significantly impact every aspect of your life—from completing basic household tasks to fulfilling job responsibilities. When the pain becomes unmanageable and prevents you from returning to work, it can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. Depending on the nature and cause of your chronic pain, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. An experienced Sacramento Social Security Disability lawyer can determine your eligibility and help you pursue the maximum benefits available.
Common Causes of Chronic Pain from Work Accidents
Chronic pain after a work accident may develop immediately or over time. Workplace injuries that commonly lead to chronic pain include:
- Back Injuries: Strains, herniated discs, or spinal injuries from lifting or repetitive tasks.
- Joint Injuries: Knees, shoulders, wrists, or elbows affected by overuse or trauma.
- Repetitive Stress Injuries: Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis.
- Fractures or Broken Bones: Pain that persists after healing due to nerve or tissue damage.
- Head Injuries: Concussions or traumatic brain injuries.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Muscle sprains, ligament tears, and persistent inflammation.
- Surgery-Related Pain: Postoperative complications that result in long-term discomfort.
Chronic pain can also lead to chronic pain syndrome (CPS), affecting mental health and causing fatigue, depression, or anxiety.
What Qualifies as Severe Chronic Pain for SSDI?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates how your chronic pain affects your ability to function at work. Severe chronic pain from a work accident generally meets these criteria:
- Persistent: Pain continues for more than 12 weeks despite treatment.
- Debilitating: Pain significantly limits physical or mental functioning.
- Documented: Medical records support your diagnosis.
- Treatment-Resistant: Pain persists despite medications, therapy, or surgery.
How to Qualify for SSDI Benefits
To qualify for disability benefits, you must demonstrate:
- Medically Determinable Impairment: Your chronic pain must stem from a diagnosed medical condition related to your workplace injury. Pain alone is insufficient.
- Residual Functional Capacity (RFC): SSA evaluates how your injury limits work-related tasks such as walking, lifting, sitting, standing, or concentrating. If your RFC shows you cannot perform any substantial work, your claim is likely to be approved.
- Substantial gainful activity (SGA): Chronic pain must prevent you from earning income above SSA’s threshold.
Strengthening Your Sacramento SSDI Claim
Chronic pain can be difficult to quantify, so comprehensive evidence is critical:
- Medical Documentation: Diagnoses, treatment notes, prescribed medications, imaging results, and evidence of ongoing therapy.
- Consistent Reporting: Provide consistent accounts of your pain to doctors, family, and SSA.
- Pain Journals: Track pain episodes, triggers, treatment side effects, and functional limitations.
- Credibility: Be honest and detailed when describing your symptoms and limitations.
- Functional Limitations: Describe how pain affects daily activities and your ability to maintain a work routine.
How a Sacramento Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Help
An experienced Sacramento SSDI lawyer can:
- Gather medical evidence and expert opinions linking chronic pain to your workplace injury.
- Prepare you for SSA interviews and hearings.
- File appeals if your initial claim is denied.
- Communicate with your doctors and SSA to ensure accurate records.
Contact Sacramento Social Security Disability Lawyers at Walters & Zinn, Attorneys at Law
If chronic pain from a work accident is preventing you from returning to work, contact the Sacramento Social Security Disability lawyers at Walters & Zinn, Attorneys at Law. Our team assists with every step of the SSDI claims process, answers your questions, and seeks the maximum benefits available. Schedule a free consultation by calling 916-610-4706 or contacting us online. Our offices in Folsom and Fairfield, California, serve clients throughout the surrounding areas.