Acute compartment syndrome is a medical emergency that, if left untreated, can result in lifelong damage or impairment. Compartment syndrome occurs when the pressure inside one of your body's compartments rises too high. As this pressure builds up over time, it can cause severe pain and injury. Disability payments are available for people who have chronic disabilities that were caused by occupational injuries or illnesses. To be eligible for these benefits, you must have been paid weekly benefits for at least 50 weeks during the last year of eligibility. If you stop receiving benefits before reaching age 65, you can apply again beginning with the next filing season (usually March). For more information on how long you have to file a claim, see our article on how long you have to file a disability claim. Compartment syndrome can also result from an acute incident such as a fall down the stairs. In this case, you may be able to receive disability benefits if you meet the requirements of both the chronic and the acute definition. It depends on how long it takes you to recover after the accident. If you believe you qualify for disability benefits, contact Social Security today.