Musculoskeletal System Disorders are conditions that affect the muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissue of the body.

These disorders can cause severe pain, discomfort, and limitations that can affect a person’s ability to work and engage in daily activities. Fortunately, individuals who suffer from musculoskeletal system disorders may be eligible for compensation benefits that can help alleviate the financial burden of their condition.

Types of Musculoskeletal System Disorders

There are various musculoskeletal system disorders, and each has different symptoms and required treatment that a person may have to undergo for optimal health. Here are some common types of musculoskeletal system disorders:.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of one or more joints in the body. The inflammation leads to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joint(s) leading to decreased mobility.

Back Pain

Back pain is a common musculoskeletal system disorder that impacts the spinal cord. Back pain can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks and may impact your ability to work.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that impacts the density and strength of bones. When the bones lose bone density, they can break easily leading to fractures, or frequent injuries.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a common musculoskeletal system disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints.

The condition causes pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints, leading to a decreased range of motion in the affected areas, leading to difficulty in movement.

Causes of Musculoskeletal System Disorders

There is no single cause of musculoskeletal system disorders. Multiple factors can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, and some of these causes include:.

Physical Factors

Activities that involve repetitive motions or overusing muscles and joints can lead to musculoskeletal system disorders. Jobs that require heavy lifting and prolonged standing or sitting can also increase the risk of musculoskeletal system disorders.

Accidents or Injuries

Injuries caused by accidents, falls, or sporting events can also lead to musculoskeletal system disorders. These injuries can cause long-term damage to the muscles, bones, joints, and connective tissues of the body.

Infections

Infections, including bacterial and viral infections can also lead to musculoskeletal system disorders. The infection leads to inflammation of the muscles, joints, and bones, which can lead to pain and discomfort.

Compensation Eligibility for Musculoskeletal System Disorders

Individuals who suffer from musculoskeletal system disorders may be eligible for workers’ compensation or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides benefits to employees who have suffered an injury or illness on the job. SSDI is a federal program that provides benefits to individuals who are no longer able to work due to a disability.

Criteria for Eligibility for Workers Compensation Cases

For a person to be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in a musculoskeletal system disorder, they must meet certain criteria, including:.

Employment Status

An employee must be a full-time or part-time employee of a company that has workers’ comp insurance. Gig or freelance employees are not eligible for workers comp, and the insurance company won’t cover unrelated conditions.

Condition Severity

A person with a musculoskeletal system disorder must have a severe condition that affects their employment. The musculoskeletal system disorders must be chronic, and there must be tangible proof that prevents the patient from doing his or her job.

Preexisting conditions and unrelated injuries or illnesses are not covered by workers’ compensation.

Occupational Connection

The musculoskeletal system disorder must have a direct connection to the nature of work. For example, an employee performing physical labor jobs such as construction work is more at risk for a musculoskeletal system disorder than an office worker.

Workers’ compensation claims are denied if the occupational hazard is not the primary cause of the condition.

For a person to be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, they must meet certain criteria, including:.

Severity of Condition

The musculoskeletal system disorder must be severe enough to prevent a person from performing any job duties required to earn a living.

The applicant must prove that the medical condition is severe enough to interfere with basic everyday activities, and preexisting conditions and unrelated injuries will significantly impact the benefits approved.

Sufficient Work History

To receive Social Security Disability benefits, the insured person must have worked long enough to qualify for the benefits.

The number of work credits required may vary, and workers are required to have worked for a specified period, which qualifies them for benefits. The insured must provide tax and work records to prove eligibility.

Application Process

To apply for workers’ compensation benefits, contact your Human Resources department, who will provide forms and a process to start your case.

If your application is approved, the employer’s insurer compensates for the medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses. The timeline for claims approval and payments may vary from several weeks to months.

To apply for Social Security Disability benefits, initiate the process by visiting the Social Security Administration’s website, where the applicant can file an online application.

Applicants can receive the benefits after a qualifying period and may require a review of medical records or an in-person assessment by an SSA-appointed agency to verify eligibility.

Conclusion

Musculoskeletal System Disorders can affect the quality of life in many ways, making sufferers unable to perform basic activities or work.

Fortunately, workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability benefits exist to help eligible individuals to overcome the financial strain these conditions bring. Seek the help of an experienced injury attorney to discuss your eligibility for compensation, and to represent and guide you through the claims process.