Social Security Disability for Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease, also sometimes called spondylosis, involves the gradual deterioration of the discs between the vertebrae in the spine. As these discs wear down over time, it can lead to significant back and neck pain, limited mobility, and other debilitating symptoms.

If your degenerative disc disease is so severe that it prevents you from working and earning a living, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. However, securing these much-needed benefits can be an uphill battle without the proper medical evidence and legal guidance.

Let’s take a look at what it takes to qualify and how a South Carolina Social Security Disability Lawyer can help.

Qualifying for Social Security Disability With Degenerative Discs

Many mobility and orthopedic conditions qualify for disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has specific criteria for evaluating whether degenerative disc disease qualifies someone for SSDI benefits.

Your condition must match the severity of one of the agency’s listed impairments or be deemed medically equivalent.

Meeting a Musculoskeletal Listing

Degenerative disc disease is most commonly evaluated under the SSA’s musculoskeletal listings for disorders of the spine. To meet Listing 1.15 for disorders of the spine, your medical records must document:

Documented Spinal Stenosis

Essentially, your degenerative discs must have deteriorated to the point of compressing nerves in your spine, resulting in radiating pain, limited mobility, or neurological complications like being unable to see, hear, concentrate, or even speak. Extensive imaging and clinical findings are required.

Even if your symptoms don’t precisely match The Disability Evaluation Under Social Security Listing 1.15, several back problems qualify for disability. You may still qualify if your impairments are deemed medically equivalent in severity to a listed condition based on the total evidence provided.

Required Medical Evidence for Degenerative Disc Claims

To properly evaluate your degenerative disc disease, the SSA needs persuasive medical evidence detailing your diagnosis, treatment history, symptoms, and restrictions. Some key documentation may include:

• MRI scans of your spine showing degenerative changes and stenosis
• Imaging reports describing the location and extent of disc degeneration
• Treatment notes from physicians, physical therapists, chiropractors
• Records of injections, procedures, medications, and surgical interventions
• Opinions from doctors on your limitations (sitting, standing, walking, lifting, etc.)

The more thoroughly your condition is objectively documented, the easier it will be to satisfy the SSA’s strict criteria.

One of the biggest reasons claims are denied is due to insufficient medical evidence fully capturing the patient’s functional limitations.

Important Tip: Maintain Consistent Treatment

To support your disability claim, it’s vital you receive ongoing, consistent treatment from qualified medical professionals. If treatment notes show significant gaps or instances of failing to follow prescribed regimens, the SSA may argue your condition isn’t as limiting as alleged.

Common Reasons Degenerative Disc Claims Are Denied

Even with well-documented degenerative disc disease, claims are frequently denied for various reasons:

• Failure to match or equal an approved disability listing
• Insufficient evidence your condition is severe and chronic
• Lack of supporting opinions from treating physicians
• Treatment notes indicating your symptoms could improve with therapy
• Allegations of remaining capacity for sedentary or light work
• Giving inconsistent statements about symptoms and limitations
• Reported daily activities seem inconsistent with alleged disability
• Failure to follow prescribed treatment plans without good reason

As you can see, these types of issues can cast doubt on the credibility of your claim and the extent of your disability despite any objective medical findings.

How Hiring a Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Help

Due to the complexity of SSDI claims and the SSA’s strict requirements, it is highly advisable to work with an experienced Social Security disability lawyer when filing for Social Security Disability benefits for degenerative disc disease.

Key Benefits of Legal Representation

Our attorneys can provide invaluable assistance such as:

• Evaluating whether you meet impairment listing requirements
• Helping collect the specific medical evidence needed to prove your case
• Ensuring your records clearly document all symptoms and limitations
• Handling all paperwork and properly submitting your claim
• Representing you at any required hearings
• Appealing unfavorable decisions with compelling arguments and evidence

With the right legal counsel, your chances of having your initial SSDI claim approved—or winning on appeal if initially denied—increase dramatically. This helps get you approved for the disability benefits you need sooner.

Get a Free Consultation From Pilzer Klein Today

You don’t have to face this alone. The experienced Social Security disability lawyers at Pilzer Klein can evaluate your case and provide the knowledgeable legal guidance you need from start to finish.

Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review the details of your condition, explain your options clearly, and advise you on putting your strongest claim forward.

While there are no guarantees, having Pilzer Klein attorneys advocating for your disability rights gives you the best possible chance of securing the SSDI benefits you deserve due to degenerative disc disease.