Are you suffering from back problems? You are far from alone. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that as many as one-quarter of U.S. adults deal with some form of back pain on a regular basis. At its worst, a bad back can be totally debilitating. You may not reasonably be able to work on a full-time basis due to your impairment.
This raises an important question: Can I Get SSDI benefits for back problems? The short answer is that it is possible to qualify for Social Security disability benefits for a bad back, but doing so requires meeting the SSA’s medical and legal standards. Here, our Rogers Social Security disability lawyer explains the most important things you should know about back issues and SSDI benefits.
How the SSA Evaluates a Bad Back Claim (Must Have a Medically Determinable Impairment)
When it comes to evaluating a bad back claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) focuses on whether an applicant has a medically determinable impairment (MDI). In other words, a person with a bad back can only qualify for SSDI benefits if the agency determines that medical evidence shows that their issue is sufficiently severe to be considered a disabling condition.
To determine if an individual with a bad back meets the standard for MDI, the SSA consults the “Blue Book.” The “Blue Book” is the agency’s official reference guide for medical conditions. Section 1.000 of the Blue Book is for musculoskeletal disorders, including things like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, facet arthritis, and vertebral fracture/dislocation.
Certain Types of Back Issues are More Likely to Be Approved for SSDI Benefits
While various back issues can qualify for SSDI benefits, certain conditions are more likely to be approved due to their debilitating nature. For example, spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on nerves and can cause severe pain and mobility issues, is more likely to be approved than a mild herniated disc. Still, the specific circumstances always matter.
You Also Need to Meet the Financial/Legal Social Security Disability Requirements
In addition to having a medically determinable impairment, applicants must also meet specific financial and legal requirements to qualify for SSDI benefits. To be eligible, an applicant must have earned enough work credits based on their age. Work credits come from an applicant’s work history. SSDI benefits are only available to those who paid a sufficient amount into the system. Though, a person ineligible for SSDI may still qualify for Social Security disability SSI benefits.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Social Security Disability Lawyer in Rogers, AR
At Gallo Cazort & Co. Law Firm, our Rogers Social Security disability attorneys are skilled and experienced advocates for clients. If you need help applying for SSDI or SSI benefits for a bad back, we are here as a resource. Contact our Social Security disability team today for a free, no commitment case review. From our Rogers law office, we handle SSDI claims throughout Arkansas.