Do Back and Spinal Cord Injuries Qualify for Social Security Disability?

Back and spinal cord injuries can turn a person’s life upside down. Chronic pain, trouble getting around, nerve problems, or even paralysis can make it tough, or even impossible, to keep your job. If you’re no longer able to work, you’re probably wondering whether Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits are available.

So, do back and spinal cord injuries qualify for SSD benefits? Simply put, yes. But you have to meet more requirements than just a diagnosis. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will carefully review the severity of your condition, your medical evidence, and how your injury affects your ability to work.

Which Back and Spinal Cord Injuries Qualify?

Not every back or spine injury qualifies for disability benefits. In general, the SSA requires you to have a condition that will last at least a year or is expected to end in death, and that seriously limits your ability to do significant work.

Some conditions that often qualify include;

• Herniated discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis
• Vertebral fractures
• Trauma to the spinal cord
• Spinal arachnoiditis

If your injury causes ongoing pain, muscle weakness, numbness, balance issues, or limits how you move, you’re more likely to meet disability requirements, especially if you back it up with strong medical evidence.

Why Medical Evidence Is Key

Strong medical documentation can make or break your SSD claim. The SSA isn’t just going to take your word for it about the extent of your injury. They require hard evidence.

Helpful evidence may include things like;

• MRI or CT scans
• X-rays
• Notes from your neurologist or surgeon
• Records from your physical therapist
• Reports from your doctor
• Documentation of ongoing treatment

It’s also important that your doctors clearly explain how your condition limits activities such as sitting, standing, walking, lifting, bending, or using your hands consistently throughout a workday.

How SSA Reviews Your Ability To Work

Even if your condition doesn’t exactly match one of the SSA’s listed impairments, you may still qualify. The agency will look at your “Residual Functional Capacity” (RFC), which measures what work-related activities you can still perform despite your limitations.

Suppose you have severe spinal damage and can’t sit or stand for long, or maybe you can’t lift anything heavy because of the pain. The SSA will look at all of that. They’ll also factor in your age, education, past jobs, and whether any of your skills could transfer to another line of work.

What if the SSA Denies Your Claim?

It’s pretty common for the SSA to deny claims on the first try, even when people really qualify. A denial doesn’t always mean you don’t have a case. Usually, denials happen because some medical records are missing, the paperwork is incomplete, or there isn’t enough proof.

The good news is you can appeal. If you gather stronger medical evidence, ask your doctors for detailed statements, and fix any mistakes in your application, you can improve your chances during the appeals process.

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be overwhelming while managing a serious back or spinal cord injury. An experienced attorney can help gather medical evidence, prepare your application, meet filing deadlines, and represent you throughout the appeals process if necessary.

Contact Us for Legal Help

If a back or spinal cord injury prevents you from working, contact an experienced London and Southeast Kentucky Social Security Disability attorney today at Cessna & George Law Firm to discuss your situation, protect your rights, and pursue the benefits you may be entitled to.

Source:

ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/416/416-0945.htm