How can you tell if you have scoliosis?
- Breathing problems. In severe scoliosis, the rib cage may press against the lungs, making it more difficult to breathe.
- Back problems. People who had scoliosis as children may be more likely to have chronic back pain as adults, especially if their abnormal curves are large and untreated.
- Appearance. ...
Can a person get SSI for having scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a valid medical condition to include on an application for Social Security or SSI disability.If there were a listing for scoliosis in the SSA Blue Book impairment listings, it would be in section 1.00 of the adult listings, Musculoskeletal System - Adult.
Can you get SSD or SSI disability benefits for scoliosis?
Social Security disability benefits may be available for people with scoliosis, depending on the severity of the condition. Scoliosis alone will generally not trigger disability benefits, unless it is so severe that it limits movement or affects respiratory or cardiac functions.
Is scoliosis considered a moderate disability?
Scoliosis is a common condition in children that can progress in severity during natural growth periods. Generally most scoliosis cases are mild and require little to no treatment. However, there are severe cases in which serious complications may arise and surgery might be required. Symptoms and Signs of Scoliosis
What spine disorders qualify for disability?
What Spine Disorders Qualify for Disability Benefits?Degenerative Disc Disease.Facet Arthritis.Herniated Nucleus Pulposus.Osteoarthritis.Spinal Arachnoiditis.Spinal Stenosis.Vertebra Fractures.
What percentage disability is scoliosis?
40% – with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks during the past 12 months. 20% – with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 2 weeks but less than 4 weeks during the past 12 months.
Is scoliosis a long term disability?
If you're suffering from severe scoliosis or related complications, you may qualify for long term disability benefits.
Can you work with scoliosis?
Scoliosis and Work For mild and moderate forms of the condition, the ability to work is rarely affected. In fact, one of the biggest challenges in treating adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is how difficult early detection can be.
How hard is it to get disability for scoliosis?
Although the SSA does not consider scoliosis to be a disability, the medical disorder can generate severe enough symptoms to qualify you for disability benefits. The SSA has created a medical guide called the Blue Book, which lists the medical conditions and symptoms that qualify applicants for financial assistance.
What is considered severe scoliosis?
Health care providers measure scoliosis curves in degrees: A mild curve is less than 20 degrees. A moderate curve is between 25 degrees and 40 degrees. A severe curve is more than 50 degrees.
Will scoliosis get worse with age?
Scoliosis is a progressive condition – it does tend to get worse as you age. However, scoliosis is somewhat unusual in that it does not have what we might call a “predictable trajectory” – this is to say that you cannot simply assume that after X years, scoliosis will have increased by X degrees.
Does scoliosis make you tired?
The symptoms of scoliosis vary greatly from patient to patient and are very condition-specific, but some signs to look for are postural changes and fatigue. Scoliosis is a progressive condition, meaning it's virtually guaranteed to get worse over time.
What are good scoliosis jobs?
Need inspiration? Here are 8 jobs for people with scoliosis, ankylosing spondylitis and other spinal disorders:Teacher.Self-employed. ... Exercise instructor. ... Sales agent. ... Reseller. ... Mindfulness coach. ... Administrative assistant. ... Project manager.
What does scoliosis pain feel like?
Pain related to degenerative scoliosis can range from a dull back ache to shooting pain in the legs, known as sciatica. Again, symptoms like pain can vary greatly, depending on factors such as the patient's age and severity of the condition.
What should I avoid if I have scoliosis?
Dietary tips for people with scoliosis: Avoid foods that contain lots of chemicals and additives – these can cause excessive inflammation. Avoid overly salty foods – eating too much salt can cause you to lose calcium through your urine. Avoid sugary drinks and soda – they inhibit the body's ability to absorb calcium.
Does scoliosis cause weight loss?
Also, multiple factors such as age, overall health, and the chosen treatment approach also play significant roles in how the condition affects a person's daily life. Does scoliosis itself directly cause my patients to gain or lose significant amounts of weight: no.
How The SSA Determines If Your Scoliosis Is Disabling
People with scoliosis generally have a tough time getting approved for Social Security disability, unless their condition is combined with other ph...
How Scoliosis Can Be Disabling
Often people suffering from scoliosis, or past corrective spinal surgery associated with scoliosis, have pain that’s caused by sitting or standing...
Medical Evidence to Prove Your Scoliosis Is A Disability
The SSA will consider the medical records it gets from your treating orthopedic doctor. In particular, the SSA looks at restrictions your doctor pl...
Applying For Disability Benefits For Scoliosis
Call the SSA at 800-772-1213 to set up an appointment to submit an application through your local SSA office. Once you have submitted all necessary...
If Your Social Security Application Is Denied
Most people who apply for disability based on scoliosis alone (especially those under 55 with less than severe cases of scoliosis) are initially de...
The Costs of Treating Scoliosis
According to Cost Helper, patients who have health insurance usually just pay for co-pays for doctor visits, co-pays for medical equipment, and the...
Medically Qualifying For Disability With Scoliosis
If these qualifications are not met, the SSA understands that scoliosis can affect more than a spine. The Blue Book also has a listing for musculos...
Qualifying For Disability Without Meeting A Listing in The Blue Book
If you don’t meet the requirement of a Blue Book listing, you may still meet the requirements using a vocational medical allowance, which considers...
Applying Specific Medical Tests to Your Case
Scoliosis is diagnosed with a comprehensive physical examination. There may be x-rays, CAT scans, and MRI scans may be required to determine the se...
What is degenerative scoliosis?
Degenerative scoliosis: degenerative scoliosis is caused by degenerative changes to the spine, mainly in the discs that separate the vertebrae of the spine. Traumatic scoliosis: traumatic scoliosis, as the name suggests, is scoliosis that develops due to a trauma experienced by the spine. We’ve discussed the main forms that scoliosis can take so ...
How long does scoliosis last?
It would have to prevent you from doing the work you did before. It would have to prevent you from doing other similar work. Your scoliosis has lasted a year, or is expected to last a year, or result in death.
Why did I write Scoliosis Hope?
This is, in part, why I wrote Scoliosis Hope: to change the narrative surrounding peoples’ scoliosis story. Having scoliosis isn’t a life sentence of limitation and pain, at least it doesn’t have to be.
What is the Cobb angle of scoliosis?
In order to be diagnosed as scoliosis, a person’s spine has to curve abnormally to the side, coincide with rotation, and have a Cobb angle measurement of 10+ degrees. To put things in perspective in terms of ...
What is the SSA disability?
The United States Social Services Administration (SSA) has a strict set of criteria that need to be met in order to collect Disability payments.
When does scoliosis develop?
Scoliosis can develop at any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 10 and 18. This is the condition’s most common form and accounts for a staggering 80 percent of diagnosed cases: adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).
What is the condition that is present at birth and is caused by a malformed vertebra in the spine?
The remaining 20 percent have known causes and are classed as congenital, neuromuscular, degenerative, or traumatic. Congenital scoliosis: this form of the condition is present at birth and is caused by a malformed vertebra in the spine. Neuromuscular scoliosis: this form of the condition is a secondary complication of a disease or condition ...
What Is Scoliosis?
A person with Scoliosis does not have a straight spinal cord; instead, it becomes curved like S or C. This disease can be present right from birth or in adulthood because of collapsing of bone due to osteoporosis or traumatic injury and various others.
Can I Get Social Security Disability Benefits If I Am A Scoliosis Patient?
Two programs help people with disabilities by providing income or providing a source of income for those unable to work because of a specific disease. They are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs.
Can I Get Disability For Scoliosis?
The Social security Administration of the United States has created a guide called Bluebook which lists various diseases with specific medical criteria. If one individual suffers from such ailment and meets the SSA requirements, he can get disability benefits.
Can I Get Disability For Mild Scoliosis?
No, you cannot receive disability benefits when you suffer from mild Scoliosis. Most people with mild Scoliosis (curvature less than 10 degrees) can do almost all the work like normal people.
Scoliosis And Other Disabilities
Scoliosis sometimes interferes with other body organs on your body. When the curvature of the spinal cord becomes more than 100 degrees, it compresses the heart or lungs, which may lead to cardiovascular issues, or you may face trouble at the time of breathing.
Medical Evidence Of Scoliosis
While applying for disability benefits in the Social Security Administration of the United States, You have to provide the medical evidence properly; otherwise, the examiner will reject the form. Once you are diagnosed with Scoliosis, you need to frequently visit the doctor to check the spinal cord’s curvature.
Scoliosis And Residual Functional Capacity
If a Scoliosis patient does not meet any of the requirements produced by the SSA listing, you can also get the disability benefits of Scoliosis. But you have to show the SSA that Scoliosis is profoundly impacting your work life.
What is scoliosis curvature?
Scoliosis is not a disease, but a curvature of the spine that could vary from mild to severe. Usually, a diagnosis means the spine has an abnormal curvature that extends more than 10 degrees laterally from a frontal view. There are four main kinds of scoliosis that can be diagnosed: 1 Idiopathic – this is the most common form, and it is believed to be hereditary. 2 Cognenital – a curvature that is present at birth. 3 Degenerative – this can result after a bone collapse following osteoporosis or a traumatic injury. It can also develop after major back surgeries. 4 Neuromuscular – This stems from muscle or nerve abnormalities, and can accompany spina bifida and other conditions that impact the neuromuscular junction.
What is the most common form of scoliosis?
There are four main kinds of scoliosis that can be diagnosed: Idiopathic – this is the most common form, and it is believed to be hereditary. Cognenital – a curvature that is present at birth.
Why is my spine so slow?
The curvature of the spine can also cause additional pressure on the nerves, causing functioning that is slower. Sometimes the condition does not progress beyond the initial curving. Most often, scoliosis occurs and is diagnosed as a child is in his or her growth spurt before he or she hits puberty.
Can scoliosis be considered a disability?
Medically Qualifying for Disability with Scoliosis. If scoliosis has rendered you disabled, you may be eligible for SSDI benefit based on the Blue Book listing 1.04, which is Disorders of the Spine. In order to qualify under this listing, you have to demonstrate the following symptoms in order to qualify for disability benefits:
Does scoliosis affect the spine?
During the screening process, doctors look for uneven hips and differences in arm or leg lengths. Scoliosis may not have a negative impact on many people, but there are some people who are severely impacted by the spine curvature.
Does the SSA pay for disability?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) plan that will pay monthly benefits to those who are disabled if they have worked enough to earn sufficient credits and paid in enough taxes to the SSA. The individual must either meet the requirements set forth in the SSA medical guide or be able ...
Can you get approved for disability?
However, it can cause debilitating conditions if it has severe symptoms and works in conjunction with other medical conditions or disorders that you have. Getting approved for disability is usually not easy with any condition, but it requires documentation and persistence.
What are the limitations of scoliosis?
With scoliosis, your biggest limitations will most likely be physical activities. You will suffer difficulty in sitting, standing, walking, lifting, and carrying heavy items. If these limitations are found to be serious enough to keep you from working any kind of a job, you may be awarded benefits.
How many cases of scoliosis are there in the US every year?
Scoliosis disability is not an uncommon back problem in America. More than 3 million cases are reported in the US every year. While most cases are not very severe, others can cause heart and breathing problems.
What is the RFP test for scoliosis?
If you apply for disability benefits for scoliosis on the grounds that you are unable to work, the SSA will asses your ability to return to work using a residual functional capacity (RFP) test. This test will measure your physical, mental, and sensory limitations. With scoliosis, your biggest limitations will most likely be physical activities.
What do I need to get disability?
To get approved for disability benefits, you’ll need either an X-ray, MRI, or CAT scan showing the severity of your condition, as well as a doctor’s physical examination noting your limitations and records that shows therapy isn’t making your condition better.
Is scoliosis a disability?
If you are wondering whether scoliosis is a disability, the answer is YES! It is a disability, and you can get disability benefits for it.
Can scoliosis be a spine disorder?
While scoliosis isn’t technically listed in the blue book, the SSA acknowledges that it can cause serious enough spine injuries, and you can qualify under spin e disorders. Likewise, if your scoliosis causes trouble breathing or heart conditions, you might qualify under cardiovascular or respiratory conditions.
What are the basic activities that a disabled person can do?
Before the SSA can consider you disabled, your medical condition must significantly limit your ability to do basic work activities such as sitting; standing; walking; lifting; carrying ; understanding, remembering, and carrying out simple instructions; making simple work-related decisions; responding appropriately to supervision, co-workers, and work stress; and dealing with changes in a routine work setting.
What is the specialty of an orthopedist?
Orthopedists/Orthopedic surgeons – These doctors specialize on the musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles, nerves, joints, tendons, ligaments, and skin). It is best to find an orthopedist who further specializes on the spine.
Can scoliosis affect your earnings?
The discomforts and complications from severe scoliosis can deeply affect your work, your earnings, and your life overall. If you believe you truly need assistance, do not be discouraged by the strict application process for disability benefits. We at the Gillette Law Group can give you get the best chance at the benefits you need and deserve.
Idiopathic Scoliosis
Researchers and doctors refer to the most common kind of scoliosis as being idiopathic. When a disorder is referred to as being idiopathic it means that the cause of the condition is not known. There are various possible causes that have been mentioned, but no agreement has been reached as to what causes the most common type of scoliosis.
Serious complications from Scoliosis
Serious complications can be brought about by severe scoliosis. These include lung and heart damage, as well as back problems.
What is the treatment for scoliosis?
Treatment may include spinal exercises, braces, and surgery to straighten the spine. Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits for scoliosis are described in the Blue Book listing at 1.04, Disorders of the Spine. Long term disability (LTD) benefits, under SSDI or under a group disability plan (ERISA), are available for applicants whose scoliosis, ...
How rare is scoliosis?
Congenital Scoliosis. Congenital scoliosis begins in the womb due to malformation of the spinal vertebrae. It is statistically rare. It is estimated to occur in 1 in 10,000 children. As the child grows, the curvature of the spine may develop into an “s” curve, as the body tries to compensate for the lateral (“c”) curvature.
How old do you have to be to get kyphosis?
It is most diagnosed in persons at or over the age of 50 , who have symptoms that include muscle fatigue, back pain, numbness, pain, or weakness in the lower extremities, postural abnormalities, and balance problems. Falls are common. Kyphosis.
What is a long term disability?
Long term disability (LTD) benefits, under SSDI or under a group disability plan ( ERISA), are available for applicants whose scoliosis, and any underlying spinal disorder, impairs function because of back pain, nerve root compression, or spinal stenosis. For example, if you have back pain and are unable to sit more than 4-6 hours in an 8-hour ...
What is neuromuscular scoliosis?
Neuromuscular scoliosis is caused by disorders of the spinal cord, brain, and muscular system, when they are unable to maintain the proper alignment and balance of the spine and trunk. This curvature is likely to progress into adulthood and may become increasingly severe in patients who are unable to walk.
How old is a child when they have scoliosis?
The most common form of scoliosis is “adolescent scoliosis,” which starts in children from 10-18 years of age, by which time spinal growth has slowed in most children. The cause is not really known.
What is scoliosis in the spine?
Scoliosis. Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) estimates that scoliosis occurs in approximately 2-3% of Americans. There are several different types. Adolescent Scoliosis.
What do you need to prove scoliosis?
To clearly prove a spinal disorder like scoliosis and medical problems associated with the disorder, applicants will need to submit the following: Medical imaging scans (CTs, MRIs, x-rays) Physical examination reports completed by physicians and/or spine specialists that describe a patient’s functional limitations .
Can scoliosis prevent children from being active?
Scoliosis typically emerges in children who develop an abnormal “S”-shaped curve to their spine. In most cases, scoliosis remains mild and does not prevent children from being physically active. Some may need to wear a corrective back brace until their bones stop growing.
Can kyphoscoliosis be a disability?
Kyphoscoliosis, a type of severe scoliosis that requires affected children to receive special accommodations at school may qualify for scoliosis disability.
Is scoliosis a medical condition on Social Security?
Scoliosis is not exclusively listed in the Social Security’s Blue Book of medical conditions. Applicants with scoliosis who are applying for benefits must meet the requirements for criteria under the Blue Book’s “spine disease” listing or suffer heart and/or lung problems due to scoliosis.
