Filing a Social Security Disability Claim for Spinal Disorder

Social Security disability benefits are available to those who suffer from a disorder of the spine, provided the disorder meets the criteria established by the Social Security Administration. Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, benefits are available only if your disability is long-term and is considered to be severe enough to seriously impact not only your ability to work but also your day-to-day life. 

Qualifying for Disability Based on Spinal Disorders

Spinal disorders are addressed by the Social Security Administration in their "blue book" listing of impairments, which is a list of illnesses and conditions that are generally severe enough to qualify a person for disability benefits.

Spinal disorders are listed in section 1.04 of this blue book. In order for you to qualify on the basis of having one of the disorders listed in this section, you not only must have medical proof that you actually have that disorder but also must have proof you exhibit certain symptoms because of it. 

Listed Impairments

Disorders of the spine listed in this section include the following:

• Spinal stenosis
• Herniated nucleus pulposus
• Facet arthritis or osteoarthritis
• Spinal arachnoiditis
• Degenerative disc diseases
• Fracture of the vertebrae that compromises the root of a nerve or the spinal cord itself

Additional Evidence

Merely having one of these afflictions or conditions is not enough, however. In section 1.04, the SSA mandates that to qualify, the condition must be accompanied by one or more of the following:

• Documented evidence that the nerve root is compressed in a manner that leads to pain, loss of motion or mobility, muscle atrophy that causes weakness, or loss of sensory feelings or reflex.
• Medically confirmed arachnoiditis. This can be confirmed by evidence such as a biopsy or medical imaging and must be accompanied by burning or pain that necessitates changing position more frequently than every 2 hours.
• Lumbar stenosis, which is provable by medical documentation and which leads to difficulty with walking, chronic pain and weakness.

If you have one of the above conditions, accompanied by the required symptoms, you should be able to qualify for benefits by submitting relevant medical evidence to that effect. 

What If My Condition Isn't Covered?

If you have a spinal condition that is not listed, or you do not have the described symptoms accompanying one of the listed conditions, you may still be able to qualify for benefits by proving medical equivalency. This means showing the SSA that whatever disability or condition you have is just as severe as those listed in the blue book. Proving this can be more difficult, and you will need lots of solid medical evidence and evidence of how the disability impairs your life. 

Filing a Claim

If you believe you are eligible for benefits on the basis of your spinal disorder, contact the Social Security Administration to obtain an initial claim for disability benefits. You may obtain the required claim form on the Social Security website or at a local SSA office near you. Once you obtain the form, fill it out with information about your work history, medical condition and level of impairment. You must submit the medical evidence with the application. The information will be reviewed and a meeting with an SSA representative will be scheduled. You must attend this meeting. 

Help with SSDI and SSI Claims

Many initial claims for SSDI benefits are denied, in large part because of high instances of fraud. If you are making a claim, it is in your best interests to speak with a qualified and experienced attorney. He or she can assist you in the process of obtaining the right paperwork, getting adequate evidence and filing a claim in a manner that is most likely to be approved without the need for appeal.