The quadriceps tendon is a large tendon located just above the kneecap. It allows you to straighten your knee. As an example, it allows you to perform a kicking motion. Ruptures can be either complete or partial. Partial tears can usually be handled without surgery by physical therapy, a knee brace and rest. Full tears require surgery.
A torn quadriceps tendon is considered a disability under social security rules. However, the medical evidence must show how severely the individual’s ability to stand and walk is affected. Other factors which impact on your ability to receive benefits is your age and past occupations. Understanding the way social security disability works is rather complicated; therefore, using a lawyer who works excusively with such cases is very important. He can explain the various rules to give you a clearer idea about the entire process.
As part of the application process, he can help you obtain all your medical records which social security requires. It is important to realize that your problem(impairemnt) must last at least one year. You may be very disabled and barely able to walk following your injury, but by one year you may be able to walk fairly well and therefore be denied.
The most important information social security wants to know after reviewing your doctor’s notes is how many hours over a normal working day you can stand and walk. The fewer hours you can stand and walk the better your chance for receiving benefits. However, other factors play a role as I stated above regarding your age and past work history.