Shoulder injuries can make everyday tasks difficult. For many people, they can also make it impossible to work. You may be unable to perform job duties that require lifting, reaching, pushing, or repetitive arm movement. If a serious shoulder condition prevents you from working, you may ask: Can I get disability for a shoulder injury?
In some situations, the answer is yes. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand can significantly limit a person’s ability to work. However, qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits requires strong medical evidence and proof that your condition stops you from performing substantial work.
Below, we explain what shoulder problems qualify for disability, how these injuries affect employment, and what evidence is needed to support a disability claim.
How Shoulder Injuries Can Cause Disability
The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the body. It allows a wide range of motion, which is essential for many types of work. Unfortunately, this mobility also makes the shoulder vulnerable to injury. When a shoulder condition becomes severe, it may limit your ability to:
- Lift objects
- Reach overhead or across the body
- Push or pull items
- Carry materials
- Perform repetitive arm movements
- Maintain strength or range of motion
Many jobs require frequent use of the arms and shoulders, including construction, manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and office work. Even tasks like typing, stocking shelves, or operating equipment can become difficult or impossible with a serious shoulder injury.
When these limitations prevent you from maintaining full-time employment, you may be able to pursue Social Security Disability (SSD).
Common Shoulder Conditions That May Qualify for Disability Benefits
Many medical conditions can affect the shoulders. Some of the most common conditions that may qualify for disability include the following:
Rotator Cuff Tears
A rotator cuff tear happens when the shoulder’s stabilizing muscles or tendons become injured or damaged. This injury can cause:
- Severe pain
- Weakness in the shoulder
- Difficulty lifting the arm
- Limited range of motion
In some cases, surgery and physical therapy may not fully restore function, leaving lasting limitations.
Shoulder Arthritis
Arthritis in the shoulder joint can cause chronic pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Over time, the condition may reduce joint mobility and make routine movements difficult.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder causes pain, stiffness, and reduced movement in the joint. People with this condition may experience progressive loss of shoulder mobility and difficulty performing basic tasks.
Recurring Shoulder Dislocation
Repeated shoulder dislocations can lead to joint instability, chronic pain, and functional limitations. Frequent dislocations may prevent someone from safely performing physical job tasks.
Other Shoulder and Upper Extremity Conditions
Other injuries and conditions that can affect the arm and shoulder may include:
- Severe tendon injuries
- Nerve damage
- Fractures
- Degenerative joint disease
- Chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Each case is unique, and the severity of the condition plays a major role in determining eligibility for disability benefits.
How To Get Disability for a Shoulder Injury
You can get disability for a shoulder injury through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, the SSA does not approve claims based solely on a diagnosis. Instead, they evaluate how the condition affects your ability to perform work-related activities.
To qualify for benefits, you must show that:
- Your condition stops you from performing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
- The condition is expected to last at least 12 months (or result in death)
- You cannot perform your past work or adjust to other types of work
When a shoulder injury causes severe limitations in lifting, carrying, repetitive movement, or other physical motions, it may meet Social Security’s disability criteria.
Relevant Social Security Blue Book Listings
The SSA evaluates disability claims using medical criteria listed in the Blue Book, which outlines conditions that can qualify for SSD benefits. Shoulder injuries, while not explicitly listed, may fall under more than one category.
For example, section 1.00 Musculoskeletal Disorders covers conditions affecting bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues. Under this section, a claimant may qualify for disability under listing 1.18 for abnormality of a major joint(s) in any extremity. This listing may apply when a shoulder condition causes:
- Chronic joint pain or stiffness
- Limited range of motion
- Instability of the joint
- Physical abnormality of the joint
- Significant limitations using one or both arms, so you cannot independently start, sustain, and complete work-related activities
Some shoulder conditions may also qualify under listing 14.09 for inflammatory arthritis. This listing may apply if inflammatory conditions significantly affect joint function and mobility.
Even if your condition does not meet a specific listing, you may still qualify if it prevents you from maintaining full-time employment. In this case, the SSA will evaluate your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC), as well as your age, education, work experience, and transferable skills.
Medical Evidence for a Shoulder Disability Claim
Medical documentation plays a critical role in proving a disability claim. Without sufficient evidence, the SSA may deny an application even if the condition is severe. Common types of evidence used to support claims involving disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand include:
- Exam notes from doctors and specialists
- Imaging results such as X-rays or MRIs
- Surgical reports
- Physical therapy documentation
- Previous treatments and resulting outcomes
- Physician notes describing pain and functional limitations
- Range-of-motion testing results
- Statements explaining work-related restrictions
- History of work absences linked to your condition
- Statements from employers, family members, neighbors, etc., about how your disability affects daily life
Consistent medical treatment and detailed documentation can strengthen a disability application. If you need help gathering your records, contact Grundy Disability Group to discuss your case.
Talk With a Disability Attorney About Your Shoulder Injury
If you are struggling to work because of a serious shoulder condition or other musculoskeletal disability, you may have questions about whether your impairment can qualify for disability benefits. The Social Security claims process can be complex, and many applications are denied during the initial stage. Working with an experienced disability attorney can help you better understand the requirements and gather the evidence needed to support your claim.
Grundy Disability Group helps people seeking Social Security Disability benefits in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. As a fourth-generation attorney, Matthew Grundy understands the many challenges people face when a medical condition stops them from working.
If you’re wondering if you can get disability for a shoulder injury, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your situation. Grundy Disability Group is here to provide the legal guidance you need to secure the benefits you deserve.
