What Back Problems Qualify for Disability?

If you are struggling with debilitating back pain and restricted mobility that prevents you from working, you may face financial hardship. When chronic back problems render you unable to sustain any gainful employment, Social Security Disability benefits can help make ends meet. A Greenville Social Security Disability lawyer can explain what back problems qualify for disability.

While having a diagnosed back condition alone does not automatically guarantee qualification for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the Social Security Administration (SSA) does offer a path to benefits for those with severe, disabling spinal impairments.

Within the SSA’s “Musculoskeletal System” disability listings, various back disorders and spine issues potentially meet the criteria. You must support your claim with ample medical evidence, though. Degenerative disc diseases, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and other spinal injuries or nerve impingement problems can render someone unable to work. Proof of functional limitations is paramount, though. A lawyer from Pilzer Klein can help you file a claim. 

Back Impairments That Can Meet Social Security’s Disability Listings

Chronic, severe back pain and limited mobility stemming from spinal injuries or degenerative disc diseases can make working extremely difficult or impossible. The SSA has specific disability listings for qualifying back impairments if supported by sufficient medical evidence.

Some of the more common back problems that may meet an SSA disability listing include:

Herniated or Bulging Discs

Ruptured or protruding spinal discs that compress on nerve roots can cause radiating pain, numbness, muscle weakness, and restricted mobility. The SSA requires MRI proof of nerve root compression and related limitations for a claim involving herniated discs.

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)

As discs between vertebrae deteriorate and break down, the resulting friction and inflammation can produce disabling and chronic pain throughout the back and extremities. Evidence of degenerative disc disease (DDD) can include imaging showing nerve root or spinal cord impingement.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis refers to a narrowing of the spinal column that compresses the nerves, which can stem from arthritis, disc herniation, or injuries. You must be able to document measurable functional limitations from nerve impingement and failed treatment.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This autoimmune inflammatory disorder affects the spinal joints and soft tissues near the spine. Rheumatoid arthritis can severely hamper dexterity and range of motion if it progresses and proves unresponsive to treatment.

Spondylolisthesis

An abnormal slippage of one vertebra over the one below can entrap nerves in the spinal column. MRI evidence and clinical signs of related neurological deficiencies in extremities can support a claim involving spondylolisthesis.

The SSA looks for objective documentation like MRIs, CT scans, operative reports, and clinical notes detailing any spinal cord/nerve root compression, related neurological deficits, unrelenting pain levels, and unsuccessful treatments. A Social Security Disability lawyer can assist by developing the required evidence file for approval.

Proving Your Back Problems Prevent You From Substantial Gainful Activity

The SSA applies strict standards when evaluating back disabilities, requiring diagnostic imaging like MRIs and CT scans to identify compressions, joint damage, and nerve root impingements. Extensive documentation through clinical notes, treatment records, and statements from doctors analyzing mobility restrictions hold equal weight in validating a disability due to back pain.

Simply being diagnosed with a back condition isn’t enough. You must show objective evidence correlating the diagnosis to tangible functional deficits that prevent you from working. The SSA must see hard data displaying any lack of functionality, inability to ambulate effectively, sensory losses, and other neurological complications arising from the spinal impairment.

An Attorney Can Handle Your Disability Claim for Back Problems 

Attempting to qualify for disability on the basis of a back problem often becomes an uphill battle filled with technical qualifications. A Social Security Disability attorney familiar with the disability evaluation under Social Security can develop and argue your case to attain benefits.

Whether you are just now considering filing a claim or the SSA denied your initial claim, a lawyer can help. We can provide you with a range of legal services to help secure the appropriate amount of benefits. For example, a lawyer can help you by:

• Gathering all medical evidence from your healthcare providers
• Obtaining expert medical opinion evidence when applicable
• Working to reduce the cost of gathering medical evidence
• Preparing you for various phases of the claims process, such as explaining what not to say at a Social Security Disability hearing
• Requesting consultative evaluations from the SSA when appropriate
• Handling all the necessary paperwork for your initial claim or appeal
• Explaining the claims process and providing updates as your claim progresses

When you choose Pilzer and Klein to manage your claim, you will speak directly with an attorney, not a representative. We provide our clients with individualized legal care, and our legal team has over 50 years of combined experience. 

Call Our Law Firm to Learn About What Back Problems Qualify for Disability

From herniated discs to spinal stenosis, various back problems qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. You may still be in the process of diagnosing your back problem, unsure whether you qualify for benefits. That’s where the legal team at Pilzer Klein can come in and help. 

We can help you apply for benefits and compile the required medical documentation to support your claim. If you received a denial of benefits, our Social Security Disability attorneys can help you through the appeals process, explaining every step of the way. Contact Pilzer Klein now for a free initial consultation.