Disability Benefits for Back Injuries
Back injuries are the number one claim for benefits from Social Security. They receive more application regarding this than all any other physical ailment or injury combined. Examiners are investigating many of these problems, so they have a tendency to review each claim with extreme caution. This is to avoid bogus or phony claims, but it can also make it harder for those with legitimate claims to receive disability benefits for back injuries.
Qualifying for Disability Benefits for Back Injuries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, back injuries account for 20% of workplace injuries or illnesses.
To qualify for disability benefits for back injuries for you must have serious medically determinable back impairments such as:
- Spinal Stenosis
- Nerve Root Compression
- Chronic, Untreatable Herniated Disc Issues
- Arachnoiditis
Additionally, you will need to meet Social Security’s stringent policy requirements for your particular spinal disorder to qualify, and this is no easy task. DSS helps its clients through every step of the process for filing for SSI for a spinal injury or disorder. Here is some vital information about the disorders to help you get started.
Back Disorders
Spinal Stenosis: Lumbar stenosis usually affects both men and women over 50 years old. Some of the symptoms include abnormal reflexes, weakness of the limbs, pain radiating through the arms, and muscle atrophy.
Spinal Nerve Root Compression: You must be able to present valid evidence that your spinal nerve root is compressed. This compression must be causing the pain to radiate, affect your range of motion, dull your reflexes or senses, or cause your muscles to atrophy and weaken.
Chronic, Untreatable Herniated Disc Issues: In order to qualify for disability benefits, your herniated or bulging disc must cause the following provable back problems:
- nerve root compression which causes pressure on spinal nerves
- stenosis or a narrowing of the spine
- arachnoiditis which will cause inflammation of the membrane surrounding the spinal cord
Arachnoiditis: A medical arachnoiditis diagnosis is required, but you must also have all three of the following:
- objective evidence of the condition
- severe burning pain or other abnormal painful sensation
- the need to continually change your position or posture to reduce pain
Other Back Issues
There are other issues that may qualify for disability benefits for back injuries, but will be closely investigated. Here are a few of those issues.
Scoliosis: If your scoliosis causes severe enough problems, such as affecting your breathing or heart you could qualify for disability under the listings for respiratory disorders or cardiovascular disorders.
Spinal Fusion or Back Surgery: Complications due to spinal surgery such as compression of the nerves in your spine that is causing pain and muscle weakness in your legs. If you experience inflammation of the tissue surrounding your spine and it is causing severe burning pain in your back and neck resulting in difficulty walking.
Spinal Cord Injury or Paralysis: The following list of symptoms could qualify you if you suffer from a spinal cord injury or paralysis:
- loss of bladder control
- loss of bowel control
- circulatory problems from low blood pressure
- respiratory problems
- weakened muscle tone
- decrease in overall fitness and wellness leading to obesity or other related illnesses
- chronic pain
- depression
If you have any questions regarding disability benefits for back injuries, please contact Disability Support Services. Our staff is ready to help you gather everything necessary to begin your claim.
