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 Disability Apply 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, and you do not pay anything out of pocket.
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 Disability Apply can help you.
Need immediate assistance applying for Social Security Disability benefits? Contact us today to get started.
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 Social Security Disability advocate such as Disability Apply can review your claim and help determine if you are medically eligible for Social Security benefits. Please fill out our free evaluation to speak with a representative today.
Inability To Ambulate Effectively And the SSA Blue Book
There is a wide variety of conditions and impairments that could qualify you for 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 employment. Disability Apply 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. Contact us today for assistance with the application!
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.
Need Assistance Applying For Social Security Benefits?
Disability Apply has years of experience in helping clients apply for and receive Social Security benefits. We can help you apply for benefits or appeal any unfavorable decision.
We can help you better understand how your ability to ambulate is critical in the SSA disability decision.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only receive a portion of disability benefits payback if we help you win your disability case. That means $0 upfront costs and $0 out-of-pocket expenses to you! We’re ready to help you. Reach out to us to get started.