Female doctor and patient back pain after exercise in medical clinic, Pain relief concept.
By Michelle Shvarts
Principal Attorney

Embarking on the path to secure Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits due to spinal cord injuries requires a nuanced approach. The skilled SSDI and SSI attorneys at Disability Advocates Group Florida understand the intricate landscape of disability claims in Florida and recognize the pivotal role that accurately describing functional limitations plays in the success of your SSDI or SSI claim.

Understanding the Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can have profound and diverse effects on an individual’s life. From mobility challenges to sensory impairments, the spectrum of functional limitations resulting from spinal cord injuries is vast. Successfully obtaining SSDI or SSI benefits hinges on articulating these limitations with precision.

Common Mistakes in Describing Functional Limitations

  1. Underestimating the Scope of Limitations: One common mistake is downplaying the full extent of functional limitations. It’s crucial to provide a comprehensive picture of how the spinal cord injury affects your daily life, including personal care, mobility, and work-related activities.
  2. Inconsistencies in Documentation: Discrepancies between your description of limitations and medical documentation can be detrimental. Disability Advocates Group Florida emphasizes the importance of consistency to present a unified and credible case.
  3. Neglecting Mental Health Impacts: Spinal cord injuries often have psychological ramifications. Neglecting to address the mental health aspects, such as depression or anxiety, can result in an incomplete portrayal of the overall impact on your life.
  4. Overlooking Adaptive Devices and Assistance: If you use adaptive devices or require assistance, it’s essential to highlight this in your claim. Failing to convey the necessity of these aids may lead to a misunderstanding of your true level of independence.
  5. Inadequate Communication with Healthcare Providers: Effective communication with healthcare providers is paramount. Ensure that your medical records accurately reflect the functional limitations you experience, and seek professional guidance in articulating these limitations in your claim.

How Disability Advocates Group Florida Can Help

  1. Thorough Case Evaluation: Disability Advocates Group Florida conducts a meticulous evaluation of your case, identifying potential pitfalls in the description of functional limitations and devising strategies to address them.
  2. Collaboration with Healthcare Professionals: Establishing a robust connection between your description of limitations and medical evidence is vital. Disability Advocates Group Florida collaborates with your healthcare professionals to present a cohesive and compelling case.
  3. Clear and Concise Documentation: The firm emphasizes the importance of clear and concise documentation to avoid ambiguity. This includes detailed descriptions of how spinal cord injuries impact your ability to perform daily activities and work-related tasks.
  4. Representation at Hearings: Should your claim reach the hearing stage, Disability Advocates Group Florida provides expert representation. This includes addressing any challenges related to the description of functional limitations, ensuring a strong and persuasive presentation.

Accurately describing functional limitations is the linchpin in a successful SSDI or SSI claim for spinal cord injuries. The Social Security Disability Lawyers at Disability Advocates Group Florida, with their wealth of experience in navigating the intricacies of disability claims in Florida, are your dedicated partners in steering clear of common pitfalls. Whether you call Jacksonville or Titusville home, contact Disability Advocates Group Florida today to embark on a journey towards a successful disability claim for spinal cord injury.

About the Author
Ms. Shvarts and the rest of the team at Disability Advocates Group Florida are dedicated to assisting individuals in Florida obtain Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. After several years of civil litigation, Ms. Shvarts decided to shift to a more personal type of law practice to help individuals who were struggling in their daily lives.