There are two ways to qualify for scoliosis disability benefits. You may qualify by meeting an Adult Medical Listing in Social Security’s listing of impairments (aka the Blue Book). If you do not meet the severity level of one of the listings in the blue book, you can still qualify.
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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
How many people get disability for scoliosis?
Get Disability Benefits With Scoliosis. Many people with scoliosis can continue to work and earn a living. Some people with severe cases of the back problem, however, suffer from impairments serious enough that they limit their ability to work. If your scoliosis is affecting your career and you need help making ends meet, you may be eligible ...
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.
What will doctors do for scoliosis?
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — Many people may remember scoliosis tests in school. Dr. Tyler McDonald from USA joined WKRG News 5 to talk about adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. McDonald explains that there are many kinds of scoliosis that can impact children.
Can you get disability for scoliosis UK?
Severe scoliosis can qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, if it causes an impairment that has prevented or will stop you from working for at least 12 months.
Do scoliosis patients qualify for disability?
This sideways curvature of the spine can have many side effects and health problems. So, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers benefits for scoliosis disorder. 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.
Does scoliosis qualify for long term disability?
Scoliosis can range largely in its severity, but its effects can be debilitating. If your scoliosis is hindering your ability to perform the functions of your job, you may be able to file for long-term disability benefits. Scoliosis can hinder a physical or sedentary occupation.
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.
Can you still work with scoliosis?
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.
What is considered severe scoliosis?
In general, a curve is considered significant if it is greater than 25 to 30 degrees. Curves exceeding 45 to 50 degrees are considered severe and often require more aggressive treatment.
What jobs can I do with scoliosis?
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.
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.
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.
Is it hard to get disability for back problems?
Back problems are one of the most common reasons people apply for Social Security disability benefits. However, getting approved for disability due to back pain is difficult because most back pain claims are based largely on pain.
What conditions automatically qualify you for disability UK?
Some impairments are automatically treated as a disability. You'll be covered if you have: cancer, including skin growths that need removing before they become cancerous. a visual impairment - this means you're certified as blind, severely sight impaired, sight impaired or partially sighted.
How much money do you get on disability UK?
You can no longer apply for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) if you're 16 or over....If you have walking difficulties.Mobility componentWeekly rateLevel of help you needLower£24.45Guidance or supervision outdoorsHigher£64.50You have any other, more severe, walking difficulty
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...
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.
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 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 ...
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 ...
Are children with scoliosis eligible for DLA?
If you have a child under the age of 16 who suffers from a disability, you may be able to claim some money from the government to help you look after them. This is known as the Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and claimants can receive anywhere from £21.80 to £139.75 per week depending on the severity of the child’s disability.
Can adults with scoliosis claim disability payments?
Under the current rules, there are two forms of financial assistance available to disabled adults in the UK: Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is for people aged 16 to 64, while people aged 65 and over can claim Attendance Allowance.
Can scoliosis sufferers park in disabled bays?
Financial aid aside, another benefit afforded to disabled people in the UK is the Blue Badge, which allows the holder to park in spaces that are reserved for disabled people.
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.
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 is the evidence of scoliosis?
Appropriate medical evidence of scoliosis may include: Physical exam and diagnosis. X-Ray. MRI. Medical evidence should also include any treatment you have received or are currently receiving to either maintain or correct the curve. This may include evidence of: Bracing. Physical therapy or massage. Chiropractic care.
How long does scoliosis last?
In addition to proving that you have scoliosis, you must also prove that your scoliosis: Has lasted, or is expected to last, 12 months or longer;
Why does scoliosis curve?
It can be present at birth (congenital), develop during adolescence (the most common), be caused by bone collapse due to osteoporosis, traumatic injury, or back surgery, or neuromuscular (the result of nerve or muscle abnormalities, such as spina bifida or cerebral palsy). Scoliosis causes an S- or C-shaped curve in the spine ...
Can you get SSD if you have scoliosis?
To qualify for SSD benefits due to scoliosis based on the diagnosis alone, the severity of your curve and the accompanying symptoms must be so severe that it meets the criteria of a Spinal Disorder in the SSA Blue Book.
Can scoliosis be a disability?
The answer is yes and no. Typically, scoliosis by itself isn’t debilitating enough to interfere with your ability to work. Therefore, to qualify for social security disability (SSD) benefits due to scoliosis, it must either be so severe that it meets the requirements of another disability included in the Blue Book, ...
Can scoliosis cause problems?
Scoliosis and other disabilities. In some cases, scoliosis can interfere with other body systems. For example, the location and severity of the curve may compress the heart and/or lungs, leading to cardiovascular issues or trouble breathing.
Do you have to provide medical evidence for scoliosis?
Medical evidence of scoliosis. As part of your scoliosis disability claim, you must provide the SSA with medical evidence . Scoliosis is frequently diagnosed during routine office exams, with doctors making referrals to specialists if the curvature seems severe or begins to worsen.
What is scoliosis in science?
Facts about Scoliosis. 1. Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve to one side. The literal meaning of the word scoliosis, which is derivative from Greek, is the word crooked. The spine may be curved in shape so it looks like an S or C. It may also be rotated. 2.
When does scoliosis develop?
Scoliosis typically develops in adolescence, during the growth spurt before puberty. Scoliosis is about as common in males as females, although scoliosis in girls is more likely to progress and become worse. 5. Scoliosis causes the sides of the body to look uneven, particularly in the shoulders, waist and hip.
Why do disability examiners contact the claimant?
The examiner may contact the claimant to gather information on activities of daily living and with regard to medical treatment or past jobs , but usually nothing more.
What percentage of scoliosis cases have no clear cause?
Around 85 percent of scoliosis cases have no clear cause. 3. Those with scoliosis are likely to have family members who also have the condition, but it is unknown what genetic factors cause this familial link. 4. Scoliosis typically develops in adolescence, during the growth spurt before puberty.
How often should I check for scoliosis?
In most cases, treatment for scoliosis is unnecessary and regular checkups several times a year to watch the condition is enough. It is only if the curve becomes moderate or severe that treatment is usually considered. 8.
Is scoliosis a disability?
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 a person with scoliosis be approved for disability?
If an applicant does not have nerve root damage, they may still be approved if their scoliosis is characterized by other severe symptoms. Scoliosis sufferers might have heart, respiratory, or mental disorders that may qualify them for disability should they meet the criteria of another impairment listing.