Whether a torn ligament or bicep injury qualifies for SSDI depends on how severe it is and whether it prevents you from working for at least 12 months

A torn ligament or bicep injury by itself does not automatically may have access to you for SSDI. Social Security looks at whether the injury keeps you from doing any work, not just your old job. For a shoulder or arm injury to meet their standard, it usually has to be severe enough that you cannot perform basic work tasks — like lifting, gripping, or reaching — even with treatment or surgery.

The injury also has to be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Many torn ligaments and bicep injuries heal within a few months to a year with physical therapy and rest, which is why they often do not meet SSDI's definition of disability. However, if your injury is severe, the recovery is complicated, or you develop lasting problems like chronic pain or limited range of motion, you may have a case.

Key Takeaways

  • Social Security requires that your injury prevent you from doing any kind of work for at least 12 months, not just your current job.
  • A torn ligament or bicep injury must be severe enough to limit basic physical tasks like lifting, gripping, or reaching to meet SSDI standards.
  • Medical evidence — including imaging, surgical records, and physical therapy notes — is the foundation of any SSDI case involving an arm or shoulder injury.
  • If your injury is healing normally and doctors expect you to return to work within a year, Social Security will likely deny your claim.
  • You can request reconsideration or appeal a denial, and many people succeed on their second or third attempt with stronger medical documentation.

What Social Security looks for in arm and shoulder injuries

Social Security has a list called the Blue Book that describes conditions severe enough to may have access to for SSDI. For arm and shoulder injuries, there is no single entry for "torn ligament" or "torn bicep." Instead, Social Security evaluates whether your injury meets the criteria for musculoskeletal disorders — which means they look at the extent of your injury, your range of motion, your strength, and your ability to perform work-related tasks.

To meet the standard, you typically need to show that you have significant loss of function in your arm or shoulder. This might mean you cannot lift more than a few pounds, cannot reach overhead, or cannot grip objects. The injury also has to be documented by imaging (like an MRI or X-ray) and supported by your doctor's notes about your limitations.

Social Security also considers whether you have had surgery and how well you are recovering. If you had rotator cuff repair or another surgical procedure, they will want to see your surgical report and your progress notes from physical therapy. If you are making good progress and your doctor expects you to return to work, Social Security will likely conclude that your injury does not meet their standard.

Medical evidence you will need to gather

The strength of your SSDI case depends almost entirely on your medical records. You will need to collect documentation that shows the severity of your injury and how it limits your ability to work. Start by getting copies of all imaging studies — MRI, X-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan — that confirm the tear and show its size and location.

Next, gather your surgical records if you had an operation. These should include the operative report (which describes what the surgeon found and did), the anesthesia record, and your discharge summary. If you did not have surgery, get your doctor's clinical notes from the time of injury and all follow-up visits.

Physical therapy records are also important. Social Security wants to see how you are progressing in therapy, what exercises you can and cannot do, and what your therapist notes about your strength and range of motion. If your progress has plateaued or you are not improving as expected, that strengthens your case. Finally, ask your treating doctor to write a statement describing your functional limitations — specifically, what tasks you cannot do because of the injury.

How work capacity affects your claim

Social Security will not just ask whether you can do your old job. They will ask whether you can do any job in the national economy, given your age, education, and work history. This is called "substantial gainful activity," and it means earning more than a certain amount per month (the threshold changes yearly, but it is currently around $1,550 for non-blind individuals).

If your torn ligament or bicep injury limits you to light work — tasks that require little lifting or gripping — Social Security may conclude that you can still work in some capacity, even if you cannot return to your previous job. For example, if you were a construction worker but your injury means you can do sedentary office work, Social Security may deny your claim.

However, if your injury is so severe that you cannot sit for long periods, cannot use your arm at all, or have pain that prevents concentration, you may have a stronger case. The key is showing that your limitations are not just physical but also affect your ability to work consistently and reliably.

Timeline and what to expect during the review process

When you submit your SSDI claim, Social Security will send your medical records to a disability examiner and a medical consultant who will review them. This process typically takes 3 to 5 months for an initial decision. If your claim is denied, you have the right to request reconsideration, which is a second review by a different examiner.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). This is where many people succeed, because you can present new medical evidence and testify about how your injury affects your daily life and ability to work. The hearing process can take 6 months to over a year, depending on your local hearing office's backlog.

During this entire time, keep seeing your doctor regularly and continue any treatment or physical therapy. Social Security looks at your medical records up to the date of their decision, so gaps in treatment can hurt your case. If your condition worsens or you develop new problems related to the injury, make sure your doctor documents this.

When a denied claim can be appealed or reconsidered

A denial does not mean your case is over. You have 60 days from the date of the denial letter to request reconsideration. This is a free process and does not require a lawyer, though many people find it helpful to have one review their case before requesting reconsideration.

When you request reconsideration, submit any new medical evidence you have gathered since your initial claim. If you have had additional imaging, surgery, or therapy notes, include those. If your doctor has written a statement about your functional limitations, include that too. New evidence is often the reason reconsideration succeeds where the initial claim failed.

If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing. At the hearing, you will have the chance to present your case to a judge, and your doctor or a vocational informed may testify on your behalf. Many people are approved at the hearing stage, particularly if they have strong medical evidence and can explain clearly how their injury prevents them from working.

Other programs that may help while your SSDI case is pending

SSDI claims can take a long time, and you may need financial support while you wait. If you have limited income and resources, you may be able to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) while your SSDI case is being decided. SSI is a needs-based program, meaning it depends on your income and assets, not on your work history.

You may also be able to receive workers' compensation if your injury happened at work. This is a separate program run by your state, and it can provide medical benefits and wage replacement while you recover. Some states allow you to receive both workers' compensation and SSDI, though the rules vary.

If you are struggling to pay for medical care related to your injury, look into Medicaid or your state's disability-related health programs. Many states offer programs that help people with disabilities pay for treatment, therapy, and medications while their SSDI case is pending.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work part-time while my SSDI claim is pending?

Yes, you can work part-time and still have a valid SSDI claim, as long as you are not earning more than the substantial gainful activity threshold (currently around $1,550 per month). However, if you are working, Social Security may use that as evidence that you are not disabled. Be honest about your work capacity on your process and in any medical statements.

What if my doctor says I can return to work but I still have pain?

Pain alone does not may have access to you for SSDI unless it is so severe that it prevents you from working consistently. Social Security looks at objective medical findings — like imaging results and range of motion tests — as well as your doctor's opinion about your functional capacity. If you disagree with your doctor's assessment, you can seek a second opinion and submit that to Social Security.

Do I need a lawyer to file for SSDI with a torn ligament injury?

You do not need a lawyer to file, but many people find that having one improves their chances, especially if their initial claim is denied. Lawyers who handle SSDI cases work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win, and they take a percentage of your back pay (up to 25 percent, set by law).

How long does it usually take to get approved for SSDI with an arm injury?

Initial decisions typically take 3 to 5 months. If you are denied and request reconsideration, that adds another 3 to 5 months. If you request a hearing, the wait can be 6 months to over a year depending on your area. Some people are approved at the initial stage, but many require a hearing to succeed.

What if I had the injury years ago and it still limits my work?

You can file for SSDI at any point if your injury meets their definition of disability and is expected to last at least 12 months. However, SSDI benefits are typically only paid back to the date you file (or the date you became disabled, whichever is later), so there is no advantage to waiting. If you believe your old injury qualifies, file as soon as you can.