Knee Injury Disability: Social Security Disability Claims for Lower Extremity Disorders

Navigating Life with Limited Mobility

Lower extremity disorders—including those affecting the hips, legs, knees, ankles, or feet—can significantly impair your ability to function independently or maintain employment. These impairments may result from orthopedic injuries, vascular conditions, or neurological diseases. In some cases, a combination of these issues can make mobility even more difficult and painful.

Categories of Lower Extremity Impairments

Orthopedic Disorders: Conditions such as chronic joint pain due to arthritis, improperly healed fractures, or degenerative diseases often require extensive treatment, including multiple surgeries or joint replacements.

Vascular Disorders: These affect blood flow in the lower body. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) can limit circulation, causing pain and fatigue. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) may lead to severe swelling and discomfort.

Neurological Disorders: Paresthesia, numbness, and burning sensations in the legs can result from radiculopathy or neuropathy. Neuropathy, in particular, may be linked to diabetes, autoimmune conditions, stroke, MS, infections, or other systemic diseases—and can lead to permanent nerve damage or even paralysis.

A single diagnosis—or a combination of the above—can limit your mobility and significantly impact your ability to perform basic daily tasks.

SSA Criteria for Evaluating Mobility Impairments

To determine SSD eligibility, the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers whether you can ambulate effectively. This includes the ability to:

• Walk a reasonable distance at a sustainable pace

• Travel independently to work or school

• Navigate uneven terrain

• Climb stairs using a handrail

• Shop, bank, or handle other routine tasks

The inability to perform these functions without assistance (e.g., a walker, two crutches, or two canes) is considered ineffective ambulation. Being able to walk short distances at home without support does not automatically qualify as effective mobility in the eyes of SSA.

How Binder & Binder® Can Help

If walking or standing causes you pain, or your doctor has suggested reducing your mobility to manage symptoms, it may be time to apply for Social Security Disability benefits. Binder & Binder® is here to help ease the burden. We’ll work with your doctors to present a complete and accurate picture of your condition to the SSA.

Let our experienced advocates guide you through the process and fight for the benefits you deserve.

Call 1-800-4-BINDER or complete the contact form below to get started.