HOW DOES A MEDICALLY PRESCRIBED OR RECOMMENDED USE OF A CANE AFFECT MY DISABILITY CASE?

The subjective desire to use a cane is not enough to trigger much before an ALJ. Most ALJs require some evidence, hopefully written by the physician, that the use of a cane is reasonable and medically necessary and causally related to the claimant’s condition. A written recommendation by a physician that a cane is necessary has an immediate impact on a claimant’s employability. Claimants who need canes have difficulty performing even sedentary jobs while using a cane. Because light and sedentary jobs require an employee to use two hands to carry items. The need for a cane would ordinarily decrease by 80-90% the number of sedentary jobs a claimant could perform if a cane was necessary. So, if you are in need of a cane, do not hesitate to get one prescribed by your treating physician. Don’t worry about buying them. They are inexpensive and can be obtained at Goodwill and second hand stores for a couple of dollars.