Many people living in West Virginia struggle with the pain caused by frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. While the condition can be treated and may go away after a few years, it may also recur. In addition, some individuals may find it difficult to continue work while experiencing a frozen shoulder.
Because any mobility impairment or chronic pain condition can make it difficult to earn a living, some people wonder if they might qualify for Social Security disability benefits. While it can be difficult for applicants with a frozen shoulder to be approved for SSD, it is not impossible, particularly if the applicant can show that he or she is unable to earn a sustainable living and cannot be trained for a new occupation. The Social Security Administration takes the age, work history and education of the applicant into consideration when making a determination regarding the feasibility of occupational retraining.
One thing to be aware of is that a medical diagnosis is not enough to qualify someone for disability benefits. Instead, benefit applicants will need to demonstrate in their application that their condition has impaired occupational functionality. While this can be difficult, an experienced attorney may be able to assist in constructing an application, or presenting a case during an appeal, in an effort to win benefits for the applicant.
Another thing to be aware of is that roughly 70% of all first-time applications for Social Security disability benefits are initially denied. Applicants do have a right of appeal, however, and many applications are eventually approved through that process. Individuals who are struggling with a frozen shoulder or any other physical or mental disability may benefit from consulting with a lawyer.