It sure can! But do you have proof you need it??
Almost anyone can walk into Walgreens and pick up a cane, brace, crutches, and sometimes even a wheelchair! Maybe your mom or dad used one and you now have it or a neighbor lends you one. But is this going to help your disability case?
Social Security and the judge that reviews your case will not always take your word for it! They typically will require evidence in your medical records that show your inability to walk or stand without a cane/walker, a doctor’s prescription for these items, or a doctor’s letter stating specifically why you actually do NEED the cane/walker.
If you can provide this evidence, it can have a dramatic impact on what kinds of jobs you can reasonably be expected to perform. Many jobs at the Light and Medium levels (jobs that require you to be on your feet most of the day and lift/carry up to 20-50 pounds) cannot often be performed if you need these devices. If you further need the device to simply stand, the impact can be even greater.
Be sure to be honest about your abilities, how often you use these devices, and in what kind of environments and situations you need it. Attempting to fake the need for these items will typically be seen as false information and a judge will not only dismiss your need for the device, but could also find you to be an untrustworthy person and not believe many of your other statements. This places you in a poor position to win your case.
The lesson here is to document your TRUE need for an assistive device.
