Nearly 65mn Americans experience back problems. It is one of the most common ailments in the country. But can you get disability for back problems if they are limiting you from doing your job? We explore this in the article below.
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You may get disability for back problems if your condition severely limits your ability to work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers benefits for people only with qualifying medical conditions or, say, “Medically Determinable” back pain.
To determine if you can get the benefits, the SSA will consider how severe your back pain is and how it affects your range of motion and your ability to work. Here we’ll explore what you need to know about getting a disability for back problems.
Can You Get A Disability For Back Pain?
Back pain is the most common reason people apply for disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that back pain can be a debilitating condition that prevents people from being able to work.
To get disability benefits due to back pain, you will need to provide medical evidence documenting the severity of your condition. This can include doctor’s notes, test results, and imaging studies. It should also be “Medically Determinable” back pain. The SSA will also consider how your back pain limits your ability to function daily.
Suppose you are seeking disability benefits due to back pain. In that case, it is essential to consult with an experienced disability attorney who can help you in the process and ensure that you are putting forth the strongest possible application.
What Is ‘Medically Determinable’ Back Pain?
When an applicant applies for SSDI or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), he must prove that he has a ‘medically determinable impairment. This means that his condition must be backed by objective medical evidence, such as X-rays, MRIs, and doctor’s notes.
It can be challenging to prove that back pain meets this criterion, as often there is often no apparent physical cause of the problem. But suppose you have difficulty walking, limited spine movement, loss of senses and reflexes, spinal arthritis, chronic pain due to compression of the lumbar spine, cervical spine, motor loss, spinal conditions and nerve root compression. In that case, your condition will be considered by SSA.
However, if an applicant can provide strong medical evidence demonstrating that his back pain is real and severe and a disability, he may be able to qualify for disability claims more easily. To prove that the back pain is a disability, the pain must involve:
- Compressed nerves
- Radiating spinal pain
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal stenosis
- Herniated discs
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
You might also like to read: Can You Get Disability For Spondylosis?
SSD Medical Qualifications For Back Pain
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that back pain can be disabling, but the SSA has strict criteria that you must meet to be eligible for benefits.
To receive SSDI benefits for back pain, you must have documented medical evidence of a “medically determinable” impairment that can last for upto an year, or has already lasted that long.
X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans can all be used to provide evidence of your back pain and the extent of your impairment. This medical evidence must come from an acceptable medical source, such as a licensed physician, psychologist, or qualified medical professional.
The SSA will also consider evidence from licensed chiropractors, but only if you are seeking benefits for a musculoskeletal disorder that has been caused by a subluxation or dislocation of the spine.
Applying Specific Medical Tests to Your Back Pain Disability
Common tests used to diagnose back pain include X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. These imaging tests can help doctors rule out serious causes of back pain, such as fractures or herniated disks. However, in many cases, the cause of back pain cannot be determined with certainty from these tests alone.
In cases where the cause of back pain is unclear, your doctor may also recommend specific physical or neurological exams. These exams can help rule out other possible causes of your symptoms and better pinpoint the source of your pain.
How Can I Qualify for Disability Benefits for Back Pain?
Nerve Root Involvement
Nerve root involvement is a common condition that can cause back pain. If you have nerve root involvement, one or more of the roots that connect your spinal cord to your nerves is compressed or damaged. This can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area.
To qualify for disability benefits for back pain due to nerve root involvement, you will need to meet the requirements of a disability listing. The listings are specific criteria that must be met to qualify for benefits.
For chronic back pain, you will need to meet the requirements of Listing 1.00. This listing includes requirements for nerve root compression, herniated discs, and other conditions that can cause back pain.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a condition that can cause pain in the back and legs. The condition is caused by narrowing the spinal canal, which pressures the nerves. Spinal stenosis can be caused by arthritis, bone spurs, or other conditions that cause the spine to contract.
The pain from spinal stenosis can range from mild to severe. In some cases, the pain is so intense that it limits a person’s ability to walk or stand for long periods. If you have spinal stenosis and your pain prevents you from working, you may be eligible for disability benefits.
To qualify for disability benefits, you must show that your condition meets or equals a listing in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book. One listing that may apply to spinal stenosis is listing 1.00, which is for spinal column disorders and vertebrae.
You will need to provide medical evidence that your condition is severe enough to meet or equal this listing to qualify for disability benefits.
If you do not meet a listing, but your condition makes it impossible to work, you may still be eligible for disability benefits. To help determine whether you qualify, your application will be assigned to a state agency called an adjudicator.
The adjudicator will review your application and the medical evidence provided by your doctor, and any additional information that may support your claim. If the adjudicator feels that you can no longer work, you will be approved for disability benefits.
Is degenerative disc a disability?
Degenerative disc disease is not a disability. As with other forms of spine degeneration, it is a natural process of aging that occurs to all people as they age.
Degenerative disc disease can cause back pain and numbness in the legs and arms, depending on where in the spine it occurs. However, degenerative disc disease does not cause functional limitations in an individual’s ability to work or perform daily tasks and activities.
Can you get a disability for a bulging disc?
A bulging disc is a common spine condition due to injury or wear and tear over time. The gel-like center of the disc can herniate, or bulge, through a crack in the outer layer and put pressure on nearby nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area.
Disc herniation is often treated with conservative measures such as rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. If these do not provide relief, your doctor may recommend physical therapy or injections. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve the pressure on the nerves.
If your bulging disc is causing severe pain or other disabling symptoms, you may be able to get disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Herniated discs are mentioned under listing 1.04 of the SSA Blue Book.
To qualify for benefits, you must meet the SSA’s definition of disabled. This means that you must be unable to work due to your condition and that your situation is likely to continue for an year or more, or else is fatal.
To prove your disability, you will need medical evidence from your doctor or other health care professionals documenting the extent of your condition. The SSA will also consider your age, education, past work experience, and any other physical or mental impairments you may have in deciding on your claim.
Can You Get A Disability For Chronic Back Pain?
Chronic back pain is a common condition that can make everyday activities difficult. Although there is no cure for chronic back pain, treatments can help relieve the symptoms. In some cases, people with chronic back pain may be able to get disability benefits.
To qualify for disability benefits, you will need to meet specific criteria. For example, your medical condition should have lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months. You must also be unable to work because of your condition.
If you think you may qualify for disability benefits, you should speak with a qualified attorney or advocate who can help you navigate the process.
You might also like to read: Can You Get Disability For Neuropathy?
Best Jobs For Back Pain Sufferers
If you suffer from back pain, you probably already know how difficult it can be to find a job that doesn’t exacerbate your condition. Whether it’s long hours sitting at a desk or heavy lifting required on the job, many factors make some occupations better suited for people with back pain than others.
Using the Medical-Vocational Allowance and RFC For Back Pain
The RFC is a medical evaluation that determines what kinds of jobs are suitable for your abilities given your particular medical situation (including any conditions related to back pain). The Medical-Vocational Allowance is designed to determine what type of work(s) are available in the economy under your circumstances, taking physical and mental limitations into account.
To use this process effectively, there are several things that you need to know:
- You need to understand what a medical-vocational allowance is and how it functions.
- You need to know what kinds of jobs are available in the economy, given your physical abilities.
- You’ll have to determine which options are most appropriate for your situation and medical condition.
Here are some of the best jobs for those who struggle with chronic back pain:
Office work
Many office workers spend their days sitting at a desk, either typing on the computer or reading and writing reports. These sedentary jobs are often ideal for people with back pain, as they don’t require much lifting or physical exertion throughout the day.
However, you must be cautious about your sitting posture and conditions. Many office buildings have ergonomic furniture and equipment available to help employees maintain proper posture and reduce strain on the back.
Customer service Workers
Customer service staff often have to stand for long periods, but they don’t typically have to do any heavy lifting. This can make customer service an ideal job for people with back pain, as it allows them to stay active without exacerbating their condition. Moreover, not sitting the entire day might actually be good for the back.
If you suffer from back pain, consider one of these occupations to help improve your quality of life. Managing chronic pain doesn’t have to be a struggle with the right job.
You might also like to read: Can You Get Disability If You’ve Never Worked?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of back problem qualifies for disability?
If you have chronic pain or other symptoms that limit your ability to work, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Disc herniation, foraminal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis are some of the back conditions that may qualify you for disability benefits. To learn more about whether your back condition may qualify you for disability, contact a Social Security disability attorney.
2. How much disability will I get for back pain?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the amount of disability compensation you may receive for back pain will depend on the severity of your condition and how it affects your ability to work.
However, if your back pain is severe enough to prevent you from working or engaging in other meaningful activities, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
3. How do you prove back pain is service-connected?
There are a few ways to prove that your back pain is service-connected.
The first is to have a doctor diagnose your condition as service-connected. This can be done through a medical examination or reviewing your medical records.
The second way to prove that your back pain is service-connected is to show that an injury or event caused it during your time in the military. This can be done by providing medical records or eyewitness testimony.
The third way to prove that your back pain is service-connected is to show that it results from a condition aggravated by your time in the military. This can be done by providing medical records or expert testimony.
Wrap Up
Back problems are extremely common these days. Their diagnosis and treatment is often complex and requires multiple consultations with your physician. However, if back pain is beginning to affect your daily living activities and causing functional limitations in your work, then you can apply for social security disability benefits.
If you have a strong case with a medically determinable condition, there is no reason why you cannot get disability for back problems. thank you for reading the article, we hope we have covered the topic in depth. If you need answers to particular questions, we are always here to help.
