Social Security Disability for Chronic Pain Lawyer in South Carolina

Living with chronic pain can take an immense physical and emotional toll. The daily struggle of managing pain makes it difficult to function, let alone maintain employment. If you are unable to work due to your condition, Social Security benefits can provide much-needed financial relief. 

That said, obtaining Social Security Disability for chronic pain can be challenging, which is why you need professional legal representation. An experienced South Carolina attorney could help you demonstrate that you meet the Social Security disability qualifications in South Carolina. 

Whether you are applying for the first time or appealing a denial, reach out to Pilzer Klein today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. When we partner with you, we gather medical evidence, assist you in completing paperwork, and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Common Causes of Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can either arise from an underlying medical condition or develop on its own for uncertain reasons. 

Some of the most common causes of persistent pain include:

• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other types of inflammatory arthritis are frequent reasons for persistent joint pain. Arthritis is a leading cause of disability.
• Back conditions: Herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and other spinal problems often cause debilitating back and neck pain.
• Neuropathy: Damage to the peripheral nerves can result in burning, numbness, tingling, and chronic pain, usually in the hands and feet. Diabetes is a common cause.
• Fibromyalgia: This condition causes widespread muscle pain and tenderness at specific points on the body. The exact cause is still unknown.
• Migraines: These severe recurring headaches can last from four to 72 hours and disrupt daily activities. Migraines affect about one in seven Americans.
• Injuries: Joint dislocations, fractures, sprains, and other injuries can lead to prolonged pain even after healing. Scar tissue damage is a common source.
• Cancer: Tumors pressing on nerves, bones, or organs can cause persistent pain. Cancer treatment side effects may also lead to chronic pain.
• Other diseases: Kidney disease, multiple sclerosis, irritable bowel syndrome, and many other conditions have chronic pain as a primary symptom.

Identifying the underlying cause of your pain is important for getting the appropriate treatment. However, pain may persist despite your doctor’s best efforts. If you are unable to work, our South Carolina Social Security Disability lawyers are here to guide you through the complexities of a disability claim.

Meeting Disability Criteria Through a Qualifying Condition

The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains strict criteria for disability benefits eligibility. Claimants must prove they have a severe medical condition that prevents them from working. Chronic pain alone usually doesn’t meet the SSA’s standards. 

However, many underlying causes of chronic pain are included in the SSA’s Impairment Listings (Blue Book). Having a listed condition can strengthen your case since the SSA defines those disorders as being disabling. Your medical records can provide objective proof.

Even if your condition is not specifically mentioned in the Blue Book, you may still qualify for benefits. 

Our experienced attorneys can help guide you through:

• The initial application process
• South Carolina Social Security Disability hearings
• The appeals process (if your case is initially denied)
• Federal court (if needed)

Qualifying for Disability Through an RFC Assessment

The SSA must consider how pain impacts someone’s ability to function when determining whether they can work. This evaluation of pain’s effects is called a residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment.

Work Activity Assessment

The RFC assessment analyzes whether pain limits your capacity to perform basic work activities like:

• Sitting, standing, and walking
• Lifting, pushing, and pulling
• Reaching for, handling, and carrying objects
• Seeing, speaking, and hearing
• Remembering instructions and responding appropriately to supervision
• Adapting to changes in typical work settings

Pain Assessment

Relevant factors for judging your pain’s intensity, persistence, and functional impact include:

• Location and radiation of pain
• Duration, frequency, and severity
• Effects on daily activities
• Medications taken and their effects
• Other treatments, like physical therapy
• Alternative relief, like rest or hot and cold therapy

The more debilitating and disruptive your pain is, despite treatment efforts, the stronger your case. Thoroughly demonstrating how chronic pain hinders your physical and mental functioning is key. 

Our team at Pilzer Klein can help ensure the SSA fully considers the impacts of your pain through a comprehensive RFC assessment.

Disability Options if You Don’t Qualify for SSDI

If you don’t qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) due to insufficient work credits or income, there are other options to explore. 

Many people who get denied SSDI benefits qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead. SSI provides monthly payments to disabled individuals with limited income and assets and does not require you to have a work history. 

Additionally, you may be covered under a private long-term disability insurance plan. Some employers offer these policies, or you can purchase them on your own. The coverage and eligibility rules vary. 

Free Consultation With a Lawyer for Social Security Disability for Chronic Pain in South Carolina

Wondering if you have a strong claim for Social Security Disability benefits? Take the first step toward financial relief by reaching out to Pilzer Klein. Our attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience handling disability cases. 

We’ll review your situation, answer any questions you have, and evaluate your chances of qualifying for benefits. If you decide to work with us, you’ll have a knowledgeable attorney fighting for you every step of the way. 

Our team of South Carolina disability lawyers combines strong legal representation with compassionate service. We are here to reduce your stress while aggressively pursuing the benefits you deserve. Call or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney.