Social Security Disability -- Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common conditions debilitating Americans today. It is also one of the most challenging conditions to prove as a disability under the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) standards. Generally, the SSA is looking for “inability to ambulate effectively on a sustained basis.” In other words, to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, you need to demonstrate that you are unable to move about for an extended period because of back pain. This inability must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 12 months.

Some of the more specific conditions accepted by the Social Security Administration includes:

Disorders of the spine, such as herniated nucleus pulposus; spinal arachnoiditis; spinal stenosis; osteoarthritis; degenerative disc disease; facet arthritis; vertebral fracture; that results in compromising a nerve root (including the cauda equina) or the spinal cord.

These conditions must include one (1) of the following three (3):

Evidence of nerve root compression characterized by neuro-anatomic distribution of pain, limitation of motion of the spine, motor loss (atrophy with associated muscle weakness or muscle weakness) accompanied by sensory or reflex loss and, if there is involvement of the lower back, positive straight-leg raising test (sitting and supine);

or
Spinal arachnoiditis, confirmed by an operative note or pathology report of tissue biopsy, or by appropriate medically acceptable imaging, manifested by severe burning or painful dysesthesia, resulting in the need for changes in position or posture more than once every two hours;

or
Lumbar spinal stenosis resulting in pseudoclaudication, established by findings on appropriate medically acceptable imaging, manifested by chronic nonradicular pain and weakness, and resulting in inability to ambulate effectively.

If you feel your condition has, or will, prevent you from working for at least 12 consecutive months, and, if you believe you deserve Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI), click here or call Freedom Disability today at (866) 761-5942 for a free evaluation with one of our professional Disability Advocates. Our Advocates can determine if your condition is likely to result in a successful SSDI application. If you do qualify we can provide you with the assistance you need to get the benefits you deserve. At Freedom we are experienced in submitting Back Pain Disability applications and will assist you in gathering all necessary medical documents to support your claim.

The foregoing information is based on published materials from the Social Security Administration (“Disability Evaluation Under Social Security”). It is meant to serve as an introduction to some of the factors used by the SSA in evaluating cases. It is no way comprehensive. While Freedom Disability can help you prepare an effective application for benefits, only the SSA can determine whether or not you qualify. For more information call Freedom today at (866) 761-5942.

Social Security Disability benefits summary: For those who are unable to work because of a physical or mental disability, cash and health insurance benefits are available through the government’s Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. If you have previously worked full time and paid Social Security taxes (FICA), you may qualify for these disability benefits. You must furthermore be between the age of 18 and 65 and unable to work full-time in any job available in the U.S to meet Social Security Disability requirements. The average monthly award is $1,100 dollars and you will be eligible to receive Medicare health insurance benefits after 24 months. A wide range of disabilities will qualify you for these benefits as long as they prevent you from working full-time including the following: depression, bi-polar, back pain, arthritis, diabetes, etc. You are able to apply for Social Security Disability directly with the Social Security Administration or your can improve your chances of success through the use of professional Disability Advocates, such as Freedom Disability or Social Security Attorneys. Freedom disability is only paid if you win.