New York Shoulder Injury Disability Lawyer: Getting Benefits For Rotator Cuff Tears And Joint Loss
Last updated on May 15, 2026
Shoulder injuries can make basic tasks painful, especially when lifting, reaching, dressing or working. If your condition keeps you from maintaining employment, speaking with a lawyer about shoulder injury disability benefits may help you protect your financial future. A serious rotator cuff injury, frozen shoulder or chronic shoulder impingement issue can affect every part of daily life, and strong medical evidence matters when filing for SSD or SSDI benefits.
At the Law Offices of Daniel Berger, we have been fighting SSDI and SSD claims since 1996. We understand how frustrating it feels when valid claims are denied or delayed. Our team works closely with clients across the Bronx, New York, helping them pursue benefits for shoulder injuries and related conditions. As an Orthopedic disability attorney New York City residents trust, we are prepared to help.
Meeting SSA Listing 1.18: When Shoulder Abnormalities Qualify As A Disability
The SSA Listing 1.18 shoulder rules focus on major joint dysfunction involving the upper extremities. A major joint abnormality upper extremity claim may qualify when imaging, medical records and physical limitations show severe impairment.
Conditions such as a torn rotator cuff, arthritis or disability for frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) may support eligibility for SSDI for rotator cuff tear claims.
The Impact Of Limited Range Of Motion (ROM) On Your New York SSD Claim
Limited shoulder movement can affect work ability. Reduced ROM may interfere with lifting, carrying, pushing or repetitive arm movement.
Limited reaching and handling RFC findings often become central in disability evaluations. Chronic shoulder impingement SSDI claims may also rely on physical therapy records, MRI results and physician reports documenting pain and restricted movement.
Beyond The Joint: Proving “Inability To Perform Gross Movements” With Your Arms
The SSA also considers whether a person can perform gross movements effectively. This may include reaching overhead, grasping objects or using both arms consistently during a workday. Helpful evidence may include:
- Surgical records
- Functional capacity evaluations
- Orthopedic specialist reports
- Work restriction documentation
- Physical therapy progress notes
Clear documentation strengthens disability claims and can help our New York disability lawyer demonstrate how shoulder injuries limit employment capacity.
SSDI vs. New York Workers’ Comp: Protecting Both Claims
Some injured workers may qualify for SSDI while also pursuing workers’ compensation benefits. A Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) for shoulder determination may affect compensation outcomes.
Working with an experienced lawyer from the Law Offices of Daniel Berger can help reduce mistakes that could hurt either claim. Call us at 718-691-7475 or send us an email to speak with an attorney about your shoulder disability case. We can meet you virtually or in person at one of our offices in Brooklyn, Manhattan or New Windsor.