Avascular necrosis, also known as AVN or osteonecrosis, occurs when bones do not receive an adequate blood supply. Bones are living tissues that require a steady stream of blood in order to stay healthy and strong. When this supply is restricted, the bones can become brittle and collapse. The symptoms of avascular necrosis include:
- Pain when weight or pressure is placed on the affected bones
- Consistent aches and pains in the affected area
- Joint collapse or severe joint pain
This condition can lead to the collapse of a bone in as little as a few months, or it can take as long as a year for the bone to collapse.
Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits for Avascular Necrosis
Depending upon the severity and duration of your avascular necrosis, you may find it very difficult or impossible to be able to work. In which case, it is necessary to apply for Social Security Disability benefits. Although avascular necrosis can be severely debilitation, it is not specifically listed in the Social Security Disability blue book.
Because it is not listed in the Blue Book, to receive disability benefits with avascular necrosis, your symptoms must match those of another condition that is listed in the blue book. If your avascular necrosis has advanced to a state that substantially limits your ability to work, there is a good chance that you may have a symptom that qualifies you for approval.
Further Reading: What Conditions Qualify For Disability?
Avascular Necrosis Symptoms Qualifying for Social Security Disability
You may be eligible for approval under chronic pain and joint dysfunction if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Chronic pain that is severe, frequent, and restricts your ability to perform daily activities
- Inability to walk without the assistance of crutches or a walker
- Significant difficulty pushing, grasping, lifting, or raising your arms above your head
- You have undergone surgery on a major joint, but have not regained your range of motion
Whether or not you meet the exact requirements for or not, it can still be possible for you to be eligible to receive SSD assistance. In order to receive benefits, you must be able to demonstrate, using medical documentation, that your condition significantly restricts your ability to work.
Medical Evidence Needed to Receive Approval for Social Security Disability Benefits
Necessary medical documentation may include:
- X-rays or other images indicating bone and joint damage
- Summarization of hospitalization related to symptoms or treatments
- History of treatments and medications and how they affected your pain and/or mobility
- Evidence that your symptoms are reoccurring and/or not responding to treatment
- Letters from your physicians detailing the severity of your symptoms and your ability to perform physical activities
Hiring a Social Security Disability Attorney to Handle Your Case
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits is never easy, and receiving approval is even more challenging. To reduce your risk of being one of the many applicants that are rejected each year, you must have a thorough and accurate application.
The best way to improve your chances of approval is to enlist the assistance of a Social Security Disability attorney. Work with someone who has been through the application process many times before and knows how to handle all of the challenges you will face. Accept their legal advice and finally receive the support you need.
Additional Resources
