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The Ability's to "ambulate" in SSD and SSI Claims

Posted by James Aspell | Jan 04, 2021 | 0 Comments

If you are wondering, “what does ambulate mean?” when applying for Social Security Disability benefits, we can help.

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the inability to ambulate effectively means an extreme limitation of the ability to walk due to an impairment that interferes very seriously with an individual's ability to initiate, sustain independently, or complete activities.

If your medical condition requires the inability to ambulate effectively, it may be wise to speak with a disability representative such as Crest SSD to assist you with the disability application process.

Our knowledge of medical terminology, the application process, and what the SSA is looking for in your application and medical history can improve your chances of being approved for benefits by 75%. There are zero upfront costs, you do not pay anything out of pocket, and there is no cost to you if we don't get you your disability benefits.

Continue reading to find out more about what the inability to ambulate effectively means, how to provide evidence of your condition on a disability application, and how Crest SSD can help you.

Examples of Ineffective Ambulation According to SSA

The SSA uses the term ambulate effectively to determine if you can walk enough to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA). In other words, you must have the ability to travel without companion assistance to and from a place of employment.

Furthermore, ineffective ambulation is defined as having insufficient lower extremity functioning to permit independent movement without using a hand-held assistive device. To ambulate or walk effectively, individuals must be capable of sustaining a reasonable walking pace over a sufficient distance to carry out activities of daily living.

Therefore, examples of ineffective ambulation include but are not limited to:

  • Not being able to walk more than a couple of steps without using a walker, two crutches, or two canes.
  • Not being able to balance while standing without using two crutches, a walker, or another person.
  • The inability to walk a block at a reasonable pace on rough or uneven surfaces.
  • Not able to stand from a seated position without assistance from a walker or another person.

A Connecticut Social Security Disability attorney such as Jim Aspell can review your claim and help determine if you are medically eligible for Social Security benefits.  We have been handling Connecticut Social Security Disability Claims since 1986 and would be happy to help you..

Inability To Ambulate Effectively And the SSA Blue Book

There is a wide variety of conditions that can make you automatically eligible for SSD or SSI benefits.  These conditions can be found in the SSA Blue Book  (also known as the Listing of Impairments).

The term “inability to ambulate effectively” is used throughout the Blue Book for various listings, including but not limited to the following:

  • Lower extremity joint disorders
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Stroke
  • Traumatic brain injury

The SSA is looking to review the limitations that an impairment may impose on your ability to work. By proving that you are unable to ambulate effectively, you will be medically eligible for Social Security Disability benefits.

The application process involves substantial proof that a person is completely incapable of maintaining any full time  employment. Our lawyer has an in-depth understanding of SSA protocols and rules, can help you file your claim correctly, promptly take care of the paperwork, and submit all the medical evidence on your behalf. No office visit is required.

To prove that your condition prevents you from ambulating, you must submit detailed clinical documentation. The SSA will require documentation that includes results from the following types of medical tests:

  • Range of motion tests
  • Spinal function tests
  • Six-minute or ten-minute walk tests
  • Residual functional capacity (RFC) assessments

The medical evidence that is essential to your claim depends on the type of disabling condition that is affecting you. We can help you walk through the necessary tests that match up with your condition.

About the Author

James Aspell

Principal since August 1, 2006 James F. Aspell is the principal and managing attorney of the firm which he started in 2006 following 20 years of litigation practice in a mid -size firm in Hartford, Connecticut. Jim focuses his practice in the areas of worker's compensation and personal injury l...

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