If you are a woman, you may have long dreaded the day your bones start to weaken and become brittle. You are not alone, though. In fact, according to the Cleveland Clinic, roughly 50% of women over the age of 50 suffer some type of osteoporosis-associated bone fracture during their lifetimes.
While you may be able to take certain steps to keep your osteoporosis from worsening, you eventually may become incapable of working. Thankfully, depending on your diagnosis and other factors, having osteoporosis may qualify you for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.
What causes osteoporosis?
As individuals age, their bones naturally tend to become weak and brittle. Still, certain factors are apt to increase your chances of developing osteoporosis. Among others, these include the following:
- Being underweight
- Having certain eating disorders
- Consuming insufficient calcium
- Having a family history of osteoporosis
How can osteoporosis affect your ability to work?
If you have osteoporosis, you may be increasingly vulnerable to bone fractures. These fractures may come from trauma or repetitive motions. Obviously, if you are constantly breaking bones, you are unlikely to be able to perform your job duties. Even worse, you may not be able to do any other job.
Do you qualify for SSDI benefits?
To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have both a sufficient number of work credits and a medical impairment. If you intend to apply for SSDI benefits, it is important to document your osteoporosis extensively. Remember, most first-time SSDI applicants receive denials.
Ultimately, rather than leaving your eligibility for SSDI benefits to chance, it is advisable to submit a comprehensive application and then appeal if necessary.
