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does spinal stenosis qualify for disability benefit

by Tiara Mills Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Fortunately, lumbar spinal stenosis is one of the few back conditions recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA) with an official impairment listing, meaning that those with documented cases of severe lumbar spinal stenosis are automatically granted disability benefits—if you can meet the SSA's tough ...

Can you get disability for diagnosis cervical spondylosia?

Those who are unable to work due to cervical or lumbar spinal stenosis may qualify for Long Term Disability benefits and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

Can you get disability benefits for myofascial pain syndrome?

While chronic myofascial pain is not clearly understood, you can obtain VA disability benefits for chronic pain merely because the pain interferes with your ability to work. A disability rating for myofascial pain syndrome would be determined based on the body part that is affected by the pain.

Can you get disability for a bulging disc?

To receive a VA disability rating for a bulging disc, you need both a diagnosis of a deformed disc and medical testing to establish the severity of the disc problem. When the disability arises from degenerated, bulging, or herniated discs, the VA will apply its rating criteria for both general spine injuries and IVDS.

Can I get Social Security disability for a spine disorder?

What Spinal Conditions Qualify for Disability? If you have a condition of the spine that makes it impossible for you to work and earn a living, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has two programs, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

How much disability do you get for spinal stenosis?

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program was created to assist those who have become disabled due to a condition such as lumbar spinal stenosis. You may be eligible to receive $3,345 each month.

Is spinal stenosis a reason for disability?

Spinal stenosis is considered a disability by the SSA and in order to qualify you need to meet the medical requirements outlined by the SSA in their list of disabling conditions which is called the Blue Book.

Is spinal stenosis a serious condition?

Spinal stenosis is caused by gradual narrowing of the spinal canal, resulting in painful pressure and compression on the spinal cord and nerves. While spinal stenosis is not a serious condition in the initial stages, it can lead to serious and permanent damage if it becomes advanced or remains untreated.

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.

Does spinal stenosis make you tired?

The primary symptom of stenosis at any site is pain and fatigue resulting from pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

Will I end up in a wheelchair with spinal stenosis?

Disability: In severe cases of spinal stenosis, a patient can end up permanently disabled. This may be through paralysis, or weakness so severe that it is impossible to stand and move as normal. It is not unreasonable to expect severe stenosis to lead to a person being bound to a wheelchair.

What is the life expectancy of someone with spinal stenosis?

Answer: Yes, you do have to live with it for the rest of your life. However, many patients with spinal stenosis live life in the absence of pain or with minimal symptoms.

Does spinal stenosis get worse with walking?

Spinal stenosis is caused by a narrowing of your spinal canal. This narrowing can irritate the nerves that travel down your legs. Symptoms are typically worse when you walk.

What are the final stages of spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis, often an end stage of the spine degenerative process, is characterized by leg pain with walking. Pain will go away with rest but you may have to specifically sit down to ease the leg pain.

What is the most approved disability?

1. Arthritis. Arthritis and other musculoskeletal disabilities are the most commonly approved conditions for disability benefits. If you are unable to walk due to arthritis, or unable to perform dexterous movements like typing or writing, you will qualify.

What is moderate spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. Spinal stenosis occurs most often in the lower back and the neck. Some people with spinal stenosis may not have symptoms.

Does chronic back pain qualify for disability?

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, chronic back pain sufferers must prove they have a medically determinable impairment. Additionally, the impairment must last or be expected to last for a minimum of one year.

How long can you work with spinal stenosis?

Your spinal stenosis symptoms must prevent you from working at least 12 months in a row. If you need spinal surgery but expect to start working again in less than a year, you won’t qualify. If you’re already drawing any Social Security benefits, the government automatically denies your claim.

Can you walk without assistance?

Cannot walk without assistance (i.e., you need a walker, cane, two crutches or another person to help you get around) X-rays, MRI or CT scans within the past year that can confirm your spinal stenosis diagnosis. Because spinal stenosis gets worse over time, you might not yet meet all these requirements.

Can you work full time if you have spinal stenosis?

Your spinal stenosis may force you to stop working before normal retirement age because you can’t do certain things. The closer you are to your normal retirement age, the more likely you are to qualify for disability benefits. Basically, the SSA understands it’s harder to go back to school, move for work or change careers after age 50.

Can you get disability if you are 50?

To medically qualify for disability benefits, all the following must apply to you: Because spinal stenosis gets worse over time, you might not yet meet all these requirements. But if you’re aged 50-64, you should still apply for SSD benefits. We’ll explain why in the next section.

How to contact a disability attorney for spinal stenosis?

Contact a Social Security disability attorney at 512-454-4000 for a free consultation and see if you can get disability benefits while suffering from Spinal Stenosis. If you have been denied disability don’t give up!

How to treat spinal stenosis?

Usually medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen are prescribed to relieve and manage pain. Injections of cortisone may help as well as physical therapy and exercises to build strength and maintain flexibility. Contact a Social Security disability attorney ...

What is the criteria for SSDI?

In order to be eligible for SSDI: The spinal stenosis must be in the lumbar region; The applicant must have an MRI or CT scan confirming spinal stenosis; The applicant must have chronic pain that does not radiate from a nerve; The applicant must have pain throughout the lower back, thighs, and buttocks; The applicant must have weakness in the lower ...

How does spinal stenosis affect the body?

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces between the vertebrae narrow, putting pressure on the vertebrae and nerves that run from the spine to the arms and legs. Any damage to the nerves, bones, or tissues surrounding the spinal cord can affect a person’s balance, walking, and sensation.

What is the spine made of?

The spine is made up of a column of bones called vertebrae that provide support for the upper body. Nerves run through the openings in the vertebrae, conducting signals from the brain to the rest of the body. Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces between the vertebrae narrow, putting pressure on the vertebrae and nerves ...

What causes spinal stenosis?

The main cause of spinal stenosis is general wear and tear on bones and tissue as a person ages. Tissue begins to thicken and bones become larger, compressing nerves. Though the majority of people affected are over the age of 50, age is not the only causal factor in spinal stenosis.

Where does spinal stenosis occur?

Spinal stenosis can occur anywhere along the spine and is also referred to as pseudo-claudication, central spinal stenosis, or foraminal spinal stenosis. There are two types of spinal stenosis; cervical stenosis occurs in the neck while lumbar stenosis, the most common form, occurs in the lower back. Spinal stenosis is a gradual process and ...

What is lumbar spinal stenosis?

What Exactly Is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis? Lumbar spinal stenosis is a condition that causes the spinal canal to narrow, which compresses the spinal cord and nerves. The narrowing occurs in the lower part of the back (the lumbar region). The most common cause of lumbar spinal stenosis is osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease, ...

How old do you have to be to have lumbar stenosis?

Lumbar spinal stenosis is generally diagnosed in people over the age of 50, and the symptoms of the condition vary from person to person. While some people have intermittent pain or numbness when walking, others are so severely impacted that they require surgery. If you have lumbar spinal stenosis and it is preventing you from earning ...

What is SSDI disability?

SSDI is a disability program administered by the SSA that gives benefits to those with disabilities or severe ailments, like spinal stenosis who at one point could work , but because of their condition they can no longer work anymore .

What are non surgical options?

Physical therapy, lumbar traction, chiropractic adjustments, anti-inflammatory medications, and steroid injections are some of the nonsurgical options. Surgeries such as a laminectomy or a spinal fusion may also be considered.

How much do you need to earn to qualify for SSDI?

In 2020, a worker must earn $1,410 to earn one work credit, every case is different, but you usually need up to 20 work credits in order to qualify for SSDI. If your spinal stenosis matches the Blue Book listing and you have enough work credits, then you may be able to claim SSDI benefits with spinal stenosis.

What imaging is needed to confirm lumbar spinal stenosis?

Your physician should note your ability to move, such as getting on and off the table, as well as your prognosis. X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or other imaging results that may help to confirm your diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis.

How long does a disability last?

The SSA defines a disability as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment (s) which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 1 year.

What to do if you are unable to work due to spinal cord injury?

If a spinal condition has left you unable to work, consult with a Social Security Disability attorney about pursuing your claim for disability benefits. Get your free case review today, so you can determine the best way to proceed with your disability claim for a spinal condition.

Why do people with spinal disorders have difficulty performing physical work?

Most people with a spinal disorder do have some difficulty performing physical work because the spinal cord affects almost every bodily function to some degree. Most people who suffer from a spinal disorder will suffer pain to some extent. When you file your claim for disability benefits, you will want to make sure Disability Determination Services ...

What are the conditions that can cause permanent disability?

The Different Spinal Conditions. Spine disorders are some of the more common medical problems that can result in a permanent disability. The disabilities of the spine might range from fractured vertebrae to spinal arthritis.

What is the blue book for SSA?

There are dozens of spinal disorders, and many of these conditions are specifically listed in the SSA medical guide, which is called the Blue Book. Even if your condition itself isn’t specifically listed in the Blue Book, you still may qualify for benefits using a medical-vocational allowance or the residual functional capacity (RFC).

Can you get disability if you have a spinal injury?

If you have a condition of the spine that makes it impossible for you to work and earn a living, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has two programs, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Can you still get disability if you can't work?

But, if you can show that your restrictions and limitations have made it impossible for you to work, you can still be approved for disability benefits. As an example, Disability Determination Services will consider damage or pinching of the nerves or distortion of the ligaments and bones in your spine as potential disabling conditions.

Can you get disability if you have a blue book?

Here are some specific spinal conditions that have Blue Book listings: You may have a different spinal disorder that is debilitating, and it may not have a listing. But, if you can show that your restrictions and limitations have made it impossible for you to work, you can still be approved for disability benefits.

How to tell if you have spinal stenosis?

People with spinal stenosis will experience symptoms in certain areas according to where the narrowing of the spinal canal is located. If a person has cervical stenosis, they’ll likely begin to experience symptoms, such as numbness or tingling, in a hand, arm, foot, or leg. Weakness in a leg, hand, arm, or foot is also possible. Some people might also begin to notice that they have neck pain or problems with walking and balancing. Finally, in severe cases, some people will begin to experience urinary incontinence and other types of bowel and bladder dysfunction.

Is spinal stenosis treatable?

Spinal stenosis is treatable in many cases, but it can take some time to figure out the best plan of action for each individual. Because not everyone with spinal stenosis even experiences symptoms right away, some doctors might choose to just monitor the situation rather than jumping to a course of treatment. This might also be the case for people who are only experiencing mild symptoms.

Can you get disability for spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis in the lumbar region is recognized by the Social Security Administration as a medical condition that is eligible for disability benefits . In order to qualify, though, applicants must meet a variety of criteria. Beyond having the stenosis in the lumbar region, the applicant must also have a test showing evidence of it. For instance, an MRI, CT scan, or myelography must also accompany the claim. Additionally, pain in the back, buttocks, or thighs with weakness is another necessary criteria. The applicant must also experience pain not radiating from the nerve. And finally, they must also experience an inability to walk properly, resulting in a need to use a walker or two crutches.

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