Spinal Stenosis and Social Security Disability

An impinged nerve can cause a lot of pain and muscle weakness. There are a lot of reasons that a nerve could be irritated or even pinched, including spinal stenosis. If it gets bad enough, some people might even find it difficult to work. This condition can make it difficult or painful to walk, stand, sit, and do other everyday activities. Anyone who thinks that they might have spinal stenosis or another related condition should make an appointment with their doctor. But they should also look into what they’ll need to take care of their bills until they’re able to go back to work.

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.

When applying for disability benefits, applicants should work with their doctors to obtain the necessary medical evidence that shows how they meet the listing for disability benefits in the SSA Blue Book. Beyond the CT scan or other type of imaging to show the presence of stenosis in the lumbar region, the applicant and their doctor will also need to give a list of which treatments they have already tried, including any steroid injection, surgeries, or medications.

Applicants who don’t quite fill all of the requirements are still able to apply under the medical-vocational allowance. In this process, the applicant is asked to fill out the residual functional capacity test with their doctor to determine which areas of functioning have been affected. The SSA will then compare this list with jobs that the applicant has done in the past to determine whether or not there’s any work available for the applicant. If there’s not, then the SSA might grant disability benefits.

Read more about Spinal Stenosis and Social Security Disability HERE

If you are having difficulty working due to Spinal Stenosis, contact Osterhout Berger Disability for a free consultation today!