Surgery on limbs and the chance of being approved for disability   If you have major surgery on one or more limbs, do you have a shot at getting disability benefits? It really depends on your level of functionality and on how this is thought to affect your ability to engage in your past work, and your ability to transition to other types of work that are considered suitable based on your age, skills, education,and rated functional limitations. For example, a disability examiner reads your medical records to determine your level of residual functional capacity (RFC). The rating you are given is compared to the demands of your past work (which is why it is important to give SSA a good detailed work history) to find out if you are able or unable to go back to a past job. If you can't do this, and you also can't do some type of other work, you may be approved. Basically, having surgeries on arms or legs may or may not cause Social Security to find you disabled. It depends on your loss of function, i.e. the residual functional capacity you have remaining. Very many individuals are found to be unable to go back to their past work as a result of the medical vocational decision process used by SSA, but are then denied on the basis of being able to do some type of other work based on their skills and education. This is, in part, why so many cases are denied at the first two levels of the system and then go to the hearing level where the case can be argued for approval. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: Social Security Disability, SSI, and Residual Functional Capacity, RFC Proving Functional Limitations and why this is Important on a Disability Case What does social security mean by past work? What Does Social Security Disability and SSI Include As Your Past Work? If you are denied for disability, is this based on your ability to do your past work? What does social security mean by other work? What Does It Mean If you Are Denied For Disability Because You can do Other Work? These pages provide answers to basic questions about pursuing disability benefits Social Security Disability SSI Requirements, Criteria, Eligibility How to file for disability, How to apply for SSD or SSI benefits Who will qualify for disability? - What qualifying is based on Social Security Disability - Permanent Disability How to Claim Disability Benefits through Social Security How to Apply for Disability - What medical conditions can you apply for? What Can I Do to Improve My Chances of Winning Disability Benefits? Social Security Disability Status on a pending claim Working and Disability - Are You Allowed to Work While Receiving Social Security Disability or SSI? What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability Back pay and How Long it Takes to Qualify for it