Will Assistive Devices (Like Canes & Wheelchairs) Help My Disability Case?

From wheelchairs to hearing aids, assistive devices can be an invaluable asset in the fight for disability benefits. But what can you do if your application is denied? Let’s explore how assistive devices can help you prove your case and get the help you need.

Was The Assistive Device Prescribed?

The SSA has very clear rules on the need for an assistive device. I can’t recommend strongly enough that you go to your doctor and have a discussion about getting a prescription for whatever device you may need. Examples of assistive devices may include:

Wheelchairs
Canes & Walking Sticks
Hearing Aids & Cochlear Implants
Screen Readers/Magnifiers
Braille Embossers
Dictation Machines

Assistive devices that are not prescribed by a medical doctor have no guaranteed bearing on your disability claim. While they might be a necessity in your everyday life, any assistive device that wasn’t prescribed by a medical doctor lacks credibility. After all, anyone can pick up an assistive device as a hand-me-down from friends, family, or even at the local thrift store.

Is the Assistive Device Medically Necessary?

Getting your assistive device prescribed by a doctor is a GREAT first step! But we have a little more to do. Your disability claim needs further evidence that your ability to maintain work is severely compromised due to your condition and the need for an assistive device.

👉 For that reason, it is important your doctor provide the rationale for the assistive device. For example, they might help with lower extremity weakness, sensation loss, or even for vertigo.

How Often Do You Use the Assistance?

In the aftermath of surgery, assistive devices are commonly used to aid in recovery. Social Security must be able to get a feel for the permanency of the assistive device–otherwise, they will assume it was a transitional aid used in recovery.

Assistive devices come in a variety of forms. A key question is, how often do you use it?? 🤔 For instance, if you require an assistive device only for traversing rugged ground, then it should pose minimal interference with regard to your professional performance. However, if you require one for maintaining equilibrium while standing, this could prove problematic and limit the range of activities you can partake in.

It’s worth noting that oftentimes, a doctor will report in their medical notes when a patient arrives at an appointment without their assistive device. To Social Security, this questions how vital the device really is to your ability to perform everyday tasks.

Does the “Trusted Hickory Stick” Count?

Maybe it’s been in your family for generations, or maybe you carved it yourself – but we’ve all seen things like grandpa’s “walkin’ stick”, modified shovel handles, or even ski poles used as a makeshift cane.

While these things might be practical, they are not recognized as a “medical need” by Social Security.

Again, this ties back to our earlier conversation on “credibility.” If your doctor wouldn’t prescribe it, then it’s unlikely to be recognized as a qualifying medical device. Which isn’t to say you shouldn’t use it! But if you find yourself starting to rely on it, then it may be time to consider getting a prescribed tool.

Here’s How Our Disability Representative Can Help!

As a local representative, our disability advocate will know your case from start to finish. We’ll be involved every step of the way, and you’ll speak to the same person every time.

For that reason, we don’t just fine-tune what you have and put it together in a cut-and-paste format. We’ll meticulously review your case and provide feedback on the weak areas of your application and offer clear directions on what information we need and where you can find them.

Whether you’ve already begun the application process or are just getting started, we encourage you to schedule a FREE consultation to help determine the best strategy for your case 🤗 Our mission is to make your case the easiest one to approve so you can focus on your health and the things that matter.

⏰ Schedule an appointment from anywhere in the US! 📱

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