This information may help claimants with representation, as well as claimants who are not represented by an attorney or non attorney representative. Understanding how the Social Security Disability system works can make the difference between winning or not winning the continuing disability benefits and backpay to which a person is entitled. To win a claim for ongoing and past due benefits, claimants should learn about the disability process to improve their chances of winning ssi or ssd - ssdi benefits. |
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Individuals applying for social security disability (a.k.a. SSD, SSDI) or SSI benefits may receive consideration for spinal disorders. Disorders of the spine are evaluated under section 1.04 of the Social Security Administration's impairment listing manual, otherwise known as the "blue book". Listing 1.04 is actually titled Disorders of the Spine and this listing (for those who are unaware, a disability claimant who meets the requirements of a listed impairment will be determined medically eligible for benefits) includes--but is not limited to--the following spine disorders: spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, spinal arachnoidititis, herniated nucleus pulposus, facet arthritis, and vertebral fracture. According to the social security administration, disorders of the spine such as these, result in physical and, hence, occupational, limiations, due to "distortion of the bony and ligamentous architecture of the spine and associated impingemment on nerve roots (which may be the case with herniation, lumbar spinal stenosis, arachnoiditis, etc). Impingement on nerve roots, of course, is a source of major problems for patients with spine disorders. 
Disability claimants with disorders of the spine may be evaluated with regard to the following criteria: 1. A diagnosis of one of the listed medical conditions above. 2. For certain conditions, evidence of nerve root compression (nerve root impingement may be characterized by pain, limited range of motion of the spine, and muscle weakness) in combination with sensory or reflex loss, and, in cases where the lower back is involved, a positive SLR (straight leg raising) test. 3. In the case of spinal arachnoiditis, medical evidence that includes operative notes, tissue biopsy reports, or reports of appropriate imaging (imaging refers to xrays, CT scans, and MRIs). 4. In the case of lumbar spinal stenosis, evidence of pseudoclaudication (essentially, leg pain that becomes increasingly worse with walking) that results in an inability to effectively walk or ambulate, documented by findings drawn from appropriate imaging studies. For additional information on back related conditions and social security disability (or SSI) benefits, you may wish to refer to the following pages: Social Security Disability, SSI, and Back problems (degenerative disc disease) Answers to commonly asked questions about Social security disability and SSI Disability Advocates Help with Claims Free Case Evaluation |
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