New York Jets quarterback suffers a season-ending ACL injury

Some things are just not meant to be. New York Jets fans may have been thinking or muttering those words last week when their newly anointed starting quarterback, Geno Smith, went down in the second quarter with a knee injury. Although Smith stated after the game that the injury did not appear to be severe, an MRI the following day showed an ACL tear, ending his season, and possibly his time with the New York Jets.The Anterior Cruciate Ligament, or ACL, is one of the three major ligaments that connect the lower leg bone with the upper leg bone and provides stability in the knee. Knee injuries are common in sports and slip and fall, and the severity of these injuries vary. A torn ACL is among the most severe knee injuries. Although many people live with an ACL injury, depending on one's line of work, a torn ACL may require surgery and a lengthy rehab program following to strengthen the knee.Serious injuries that prohibit someone from working may qualify for Social Security disability benefits or SSD, depending on the severity of the injury and the amount of time missed at work. If it can be proven that the injury is expected to last a year or end in death and that it is severe enough that you cannot seek gainful employment, you may qualify.The application process is not easy and requires substantial paperwork possibly including documentation about one's doctor visits, prescriptions, diagnoses from specialists, and records from treatments and surgeries. It may be helpful to speak with a professional familiar with SSD benefits for injuries to see whether you qualify and to assist you during the application process. This information is also beneficial if an applicant is initially denied, assisting them with the appeals process.Source: By WebMD, "Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries-Topic Overview," Accessed on Oct. 25, 2016