Spinal stenosis can become a long-term or even permanent condition for many people, but whether it qualifies them for Social Security Disability depends on the severity of their symptoms and how it affects their ability to work.
While meeting the Social Security Administration’s stringent criteria for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be difficult, many claimants are able to get approval by documenting their condition and showing they cannot work because of their symptoms and complications.
Working with a North Carolina Social Security Disability lawyer allows you to focus on your health and well-being while they file your claim and fight for the benefits you need.
Understanding Spinal Stenosis and How it Causes Disability
Spinal stenosis occurs when the space inside your spine narrows, squeezing and compressing the spinal cord and nerves. It is most common in the lower back (lumbar stenosis) and neck (cervical stenosis).
Symptoms vary widely. Some people only experience occasional discomfort, while others have severe, chronic pain and neurological symptoms that limit mobility.
Some possible symptoms include:
- Chronic pain
- Weakness or numbness in your arms, legs, feet, or hands
- Difficulty walking or standing for an extended time
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
When severe, spinal stenosis symptoms can make it extremely difficult to perform everyday tasks, get around, or hold a full-time job.
How the Social Security Administration Evaluates Spinal Stenosis
The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes the “Blue Book,” which lists a wide range of impairments and the criteria you must meet to qualify for Disability benefits. Lumbar spinal stenosis is listed under Section 1.16: Lumbar spinal stenosis. Cervical spinal stenosis falls under the broader category of disorders of the spine.
To qualify for lumbar spinal stenosis or any disorder of the spine, you must have strong enough medical evidence to show:
- Medical imaging that confirms your spinal stenosis diagnosis
- Chronic pain or weakness associated with nerve root compression
- Limited ability to move without help from mobility devices
- Sensory or reflex loss associated with the affected nerve roots
The criteria you must meet are strict and much more detailed than we have described here. It can be challenging to have the correct medical evidence to confirm each requirement for these listings. Some people can receive benefits based on their Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) instead.
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Getting Approved Based on Your Residual Functional Capacity
Even if you do not meet the criteria in the impairment listing or do not have the medical evidence to show you qualify, you could still get approved based on your Residual Functional Capacity.
The Social Security Administration will assess your RFC and determine what you can still do despite your symptoms and limitations. This assessment allows them to determine if there are any jobs you might qualify to work.
If your RFC shows you cannot perform any work that will allow you to earn a living, you might receive approval for Social Security Disability benefits. As a part of this process, the SSA examiner will consider:
- Your age
- Your education
- Your work history
- Your physical and mental limitations
You may be more likely to meet the criteria based on your RFC if you are an older worker who usually worked physically demanding jobs. However, anyone with severe symptoms that prevents them from working could qualify for benefits.
A Social Security Disability lawyer can help you better understand how this process works and what you can expect. They will ensure you include all the necessary information about your care providers on your application so that the disability examiners have access to your full range of medical evidence.
Is Spinal Stenosis Considered Permanent?
The SSA requirements for Social Security Disability benefits require your disabling condition to have lasted a year, be expected to last at least a year, or result in your death.
Spinal stenosis symptoms generally meet these criteria because it is a degenerative condition that worsens over time. Many people rely on physical therapy or injections to provide temporary relief, and invasive surgery may not totally eliminate symptoms.
However, the SSA does not use the word “permanent” to describe disabilities. Instead, they periodically review each case to confirm the individual is still disabled.
This periodic review could occur every three, five, or seven years. If your spinal stenosis remains severe and prevents you from working, you should continue to receive your benefits following this review.
How to Strengthen Your Disability Claim for Spinal Stenosis
You will want to take certain steps before you apply for Social Security Disability to ensure you give yourself the best chance of receiving approval. These steps include:
- Work With Your Doctor to Ensure You Have Medical Evidence: You will want to speak to your doctor about your intention to file for benefits so they can ensure your medical records clearly document your condition.
- Follow the Prescribed Treatment: The SSA expects you to follow your treatment plan. You should attend all appointments and follow their instructions carefully.
- Work with a Disability Lawyer: An attorney familiar with these claims will prepare your claim and ensure you have the strongest possible case. They can also help you decide when to apply for disability benefits.
Social Security Disability lawyers can also help you locate your local Social Security Office and, if necessary, appeal any denials you receive.
Talk to Our Social Security Disability Team for Free Today
If you are living with spinal stenosis and wondering whether you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits in North Carolina or South Carolina, we are here for you. We can guide you through the process, ensure you have the right evidence, and fight for the benefits you deserve.
Contact Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, today for a free consultation with our legal team. We have five office locations and can come to you within our service area.
Our attorneys have helped more than 10,000 clients get the compensation they need and deserve. Call us now to get started.