Amputation and Social Security

About 85% of amputations are of the lower extremity and most often necessitated by arterial vascular disease (PVD).  After vascular disease, injury accounts for the greatest number of amputations.  Amputations can also be caused by cancer, infection and congenital limb deformities  The two major lower limb amputations are referred to as below the knee amputations and above the knee amputations.  SSA has specific rules in deciding whether an individual is disabled as a result of an amputation of either the upper extremities or lower extremities. In lower extremity amputations, three things have to be established.  First, the amputation is in the correct location.  Second, duration has to be satisfied.  Third, it must be established that ineffective ambulation exists.  Also, it may be necessary to establish that there is an inability to use a prosthesis.   Amputation cases can be difficult to win disability benefits and it is recommended that consideration be given to retaining an attorney who has experience with social security disability cases involving an amputation impairment.