David A. Gamble v. Shirley S. Chater, Commissioner of the Social Security Administration

This case provides an example of how arbitrary and unreasonable interpretations of our disability benefits laws deprive individuals of much needed financial aid and frustrate the underlying statutory purposes.

BACKGROUND

The facts are not in dispute. David Gamble injured both lower legs in a childhood farming accident. As the result of increasing deformity and pain during adulthood, his right leg was amputated below the knee in July 1988. After the amputation, doctors expected that shrinkage of the stump would occur for the next two years, possibly requiring changes to his prosthesis.

In late 1989, the skin on Mr. Gamble’s stump began to break down. By May 1991, at least one doctor had concluded that his prosthesis would have to be replaced. This condition worsened over time, causing increased pain. An October 1991 examination revealed “multiple boil-type pressure sores on weight bearing areas and a large purple crusty area with sharp lines of demarcation on the anterior distal portion of his shin.” It was determined that the current prosthesis no longer fit and could not satisfactorily be adjusted. Because Mr. Gamble had no way of obtaining the $3,477.80 needed for a…