Brachial plexus and qualifying SSD benefits for injury

When Florida residents suffer from certain injuries, they might not be fully aware that they may be able to receive Social Security disability benefits for it. One particular injury that is often misunderstood is a brachial plexus injury. It is possible to receive Social Security disability benefits for injury involving brachial plexus issues if the requirements are met. While brachial plexus injuries are most often associated with injuries suffered at birth, it can also be suffered by children, teens and adults.

The brachial plexus are nerves that send messages from the central nervous system to the upper body and extremities. A person who suffers an injury to the brachial plexus might be partially of fully impaired. These injuries often happen during the birthing process, resulting from traction being applied to a baby’s head when born. This injury can also happen because of an accident injury, a fall, an injury during sports participation or a car accident. Violent acts can also cause brachial plexus injuries. The nerve fibers and how damaged they are will determine how severe the injuries are.

Two types of brachial plexus injuries are Erb’s palsy and Klumpke’s palsy. A child with shoulder and upper arm problems may have Erb’s palsy. This type of injury does not involve the hand. Klumpke’s Palsy affects the hand, and those who have this, in comparison to Erb’s palsy, generally face a worse prognosis. Those with extensive injuries might have total paralysis from the shoulder all the way through to the hand.

If a person’s brachial plexus injury is severe enough, the person may be able to get SSD benefits. However, because these injuries often only affect one extremity of the upper body, they might not meet the federal requirements.

When examining the Social Security Administration’s Listing of Impairments, motor dysfunction or soft tissue injuries are the most frequently cited when benefits are sought. However, even if the injury does not fall under the Listing of Impairments, an applicant may still be able to get benefits if the injury results in functional limitations that can be considered disabling. When seeking benefits for a brachial plexus injury – no matter how it occurred – it can be helpful to discuss the matter with a lawyer.

Source: SSA.gov, “DI 24580.030 Information about Brachial Plexus Injuries (BPI),” Accessed on Sept. 14, 2015

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