Can a Broken Leg Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?

A severe injury, such as a broken leg requiring major surgery, can have a lasting impact on your ability to work and carry out daily tasks. You may experience physical limitations, persistent pain, and an extended recovery period. If your injury prevents you from working for a significant amount of time, you may wonder: Can I qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits for a broken leg?

This article will explore how Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits apply to individuals with a broken leg disability, what criteria you must meet, and how to strengthen your case for approval.

Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides financial assistance to individuals who have a disability that prevents them from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. To qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, your condition must significantly limit your ability to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA)—which means working and earning above a certain threshold.

If you do not have sufficient work history to qualify for SSD, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may be an option. SSI is a needs-based program that provides financial assistance to disabled individuals with limited income and resources.

How Does a Broken Leg Affect SSD and SSI Eligibility?

While a broken leg is a serious injury, simply having the injury does not automatically qualify you for Social Security Disability benefits. Instead, the SSA evaluates how the injury impacts your ability to function and whether your condition meets the requirements outlined in its Blue Book of medical conditions.

Will a Broken Leg with Surgery Qualify for Benefits?

The SSA does not automatically grant disability benefits for every broken leg case. However, a broken leg that requires major surgery with rods and screws may qualify if it causes long-term functional limitations. Here are two key ways your injury may lead to SSD or SSI eligibility:

1. Severe Physical Limitations

If your broken leg significantly limits your ability to stand, walk, or perform daily activities, you may qualify for disability benefits. Even after surgery, the presence of rods and screws in your leg can result in:

• Chronic pain
• Reduced mobility
• Weakness or swelling
• Difficulty bearing weight or standing for extended periods

To qualify for SSD benefits, you must demonstrate that these limitations prevent you from performing past work and that they would also restrict you from doing any other type of work in the national economy.

For SSI benefits, financial need is the primary consideration, but you must still prove that your injury prevents you from engaging in basic work activities.

2. Prolonged Recovery Time

A crucial factor in SSD eligibility is whether your condition is expected to last at least 12 months. If your broken leg requires multiple surgeries, extensive rehabilitation, or physical therapy, you may meet this threshold.

For example, if complications arise—such as infections, nerve damage, or nonunion fractures—that prolong your inability to work, you may have a stronger case for SSD or SSI benefits.

How Does the SSA Evaluate a Broken Leg for Disability?

To determine if you qualify for Social Security Disability, the SSA assesses your ability to function. You will need to provide extensive medical documentation to support your claim. Key pieces of evidence include:

• Medical records: Detailed documentation of your injury, surgeries, follow-up care, and treatments.
• Functional limitations: Statements from your doctor regarding how your injury affects your ability to walk, stand, or perform daily activities.
• Work history: Information about your past jobs and how your injury prevents you from performing those tasks.
• Residual functional capacity (RFC): A medical assessment of what physical activities you can or cannot perform post-injury.

What Happens If Your Claim Is Denied?

Many SSD and SSI claims are denied initially, but you have the right to appeal. If your claim is denied, you can:

1. Request a reconsideration – Submit additional medical evidence to strengthen your case.
2. Attend a hearing – Present your case before an administrative law judge.
3. Seek legal representation – A disability attorney can help navigate the appeals process and improve your chances of approval.

Final Thoughts

A broken leg disability with major surgery does not automatically qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, but it may if it leads to significant functional impairments that prevent you from working for at least a year. The key to approval is demonstrating the severity of your condition, its impact on your daily life, and providing strong medical evidence.

If you have suffered a serious leg injury and find yourself unable to work, consulting a Social Security Disability attorney can help you determine the best course of action. They can guide you through the application and appeals process, ensuring you have the best chance of securing the financial support you need during your recovery.