Rotator Cuff Tear, Chronic Pain, Insomnia, Depression - Work Related Injury – Construction Foreman, 50 years old

Our client suffered a severe right shoulder rotator cuff tear that required surgical repair when he tried to prevent himself from falling from a ladder. As a result of the injury, he suffered from chronic pain, insomnia and depression and was forced to stop working. Disability Determination Services determined at the original claim and reconsideration levels that he was able to perform light duty work.

We appealed the decisions and filed a hearing request. While his hearing request was pending, he made a successful attempt to return to work. At his hearing we amended his disability application to a “closed period” and submitted evidence of medical improvement. The judge found that he did not have the residual functional capacity to work during the closed period and awarded him benefits. Our office also handled the coordination of workers’ compensation benefits and Social Security disability benefits with the clients local Social Security office.