Does Fractures and Bone Injuries Qualify for Disability?
Fractures and bone injuries that fail to heal properly, or that occur because of an underlying disease weakening the bones, can qualify for Social Security disability benefits. SSA evaluates these claims under the musculoskeletal listings, focusing on whether the fracture is pathologic (caused by a disease process), non-healing, or complex — and whether it significantly limits your ability to function. Simply breaking a bone is not enough on its own; SSA looks at specific medical documentation showing the fracture's nature, location, and impact on your daily functioning.
What SSA Considers
SSA evaluates fractures and bone injuries under three main listings. Listing 1.19 covers pathologic fractures — fractures caused by an underlying condition — and requires documentation meeting criteria A and B as outlined in section 1.00J. Listing 1.22 applies to non-healing or complex fractures of major lower-extremity bones: the femur, tibia, pelvis, or one or more talocrural bones; this listing requires documentation satisfying criteria A, B, and C per section 1.00M. Listing 1.23 covers non-healing or complex fractures of an upper extremity, requiring documentation meeting criteria A and B per section 1.00N.
What You Could Receive
National payment amounts across all disability programs — not specific to any condition. Individual amounts vary based on earnings history and state supplements.
Avg New SSDI Award
$1,821/mo
Max SSDI Benefit
$4,152/mo
SSI Individual Rate
$994/mo
SSI Couple Rate
$1,491/mo
SSDI amounts based on your earnings record. SSI is the 2026 federal rate; some states add a supplement.
What If Your Condition Doesn't Match Exactly?
Many people qualify through a medical-vocational allowance, even when their condition doesn't exactly match a Blue Book listing. SSA considers your age, work history, symptoms, and functional limits together. Strong medical documentation is the key. Learn more about qualifying without an exact match →
Ready to Start Your Claim?
If you have Fractures and Bone Injuries, the right medical documentation can make the difference. Get a free personalized Approval Guide with a documentation checklist and next-step guidance for your claim.
Get Your Free GuideWhat You'll Need to File
- Imaging records (X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs) showing the fracture, its location, and whether it has healed
- Operative or procedure reports if you have had surgery related to the fracture
- Treatment history showing ongoing medical management, such as casts, braces, or physical therapy
- Medical records identifying any underlying disease or condition that caused a pathologic fracture (e.g., cancer, osteoporosis)
- Notes from your treating physician documenting the complexity or non-healing status of the fracture
- Records of any complications such as infection, nonunion, or malunion affecting healing
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation records showing functional limitations resulting from the fracture
- A statement from your doctor describing how the fracture affects your ability to perform daily activities and work-related tasks
Frequently Asked Questions (5)
Does any broken bone qualify me for disability benefits?
Not automatically. SSA looks specifically for pathologic fractures (caused by an underlying disease), or fractures that are non-healing or complex and located in specific bones. The fracture must also be supported by the documentation requirements described in the applicable Blue Book listing.
What bones does SSA focus on for lower-extremity fracture claims?
Under Listing 1.22, SSA specifically evaluates non-healing or complex fractures of the femur, tibia, pelvis, or one or more of the talocrural bones. Fractures in other lower-extremity bones may be evaluated differently.
What does 'non-healing or complex' mean in SSA's evaluation?
SSA references its own definitions in the Blue Book (sections 1.00M and 1.00N) to determine whether a fracture qualifies as non-healing or complex. Your medical records need to clearly document the nature of the fracture to support a claim under these listings.
What is a pathologic fracture and how does SSA evaluate it?
A pathologic fracture is one that occurs because an underlying disease has weakened the bone, rather than solely from a traumatic injury. SSA evaluates these under Listing 1.19, requiring specific documentation as outlined in section 1.00J of the Blue Book.
Can upper-extremity fractures qualify for disability benefits?
Yes. Listing 1.23 covers non-healing or complex fractures of an upper extremity. SSA requires documentation satisfying criteria A and B as described in section 1.00N of the Blue Book.
Blue Book Listing Reference
Primary: 1.19 Pathologic fractures due to any cause
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Source version: 2025-09-11
View source on eCFRAlso related:
1.22 Non-healing or complex fracture of the femur, tibia, pelvis, or one or more of the talocrural bones
1.23 Non-healing or complex fracture of an upper extremity
Related Conditions
Learn More
Filing for Disability with Fractures and Bone Injuries?
You’ve seen what SSA looks for and what documentation you’ll need. A free case evaluation takes less than two minutes — and having the right support can change the outcome of your claim.
Get Your Free Approval Guide