Degenerative disc disease is a condition that causes the discs between the spine to become inflexible over time. The most common causes of degenerative disc disease are age, trauma, and underlying illness. Having degenerative disc disease can cause a person to lose mobility and make it harder for them to care for themselves.
Pond Lehocky Disability can help people with degenerative disc disease file a claim to receive Social Security Disability benefits. We can help guide claimants through the entire process, even if they’ve previously been denied.
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) Symptoms
Symptoms of degenerative disc disease can range from mild to severe. Over time, symptoms may become worse and new symptoms may develop. These include but are not limited to:
- Pain in the neck, back, and extremities.
- Worsening pain when seated, bending at the hips, lifting, or twisting.
- Relief when you change positions
- Periods of severe pain that may come and go
- Nerve pain, like numbness and/or tingling in the arms and legs
- Weakness in legs and feet
A person with degenerative disc disease may have some or all of these symptoms. Symptoms may change over time. There’s no cure for degenerative disc disease, but treatment options (including surgery) may help reduce symptoms.
In some cases, degenerative disc disease is so severe it limits a person’s ability to work and provide an income for themselves. In these instances, Social Security disability benefits may be an option.
Does Degenerative Disc Disease Qualify for Social Security Disability?
Some instances of degenerative disc disease may qualify for Social Security disability. Degenerative disc disease is categorized under Section 1.04 of the Listing of Impairments that qualify for disability benefits.
To qualify, a person’s degenerative disc disease must cause them “nerve root compression and pain, limitation of motion of the spine, motor loss associated with muscle weakness, sensory or reflex loss, and a positive straight-leg raising test.”
What Medical Evidence Do You Need for a DDD Disability Claim?
For every Social Security disability claim, you must provide documentation and proof of your disability. For degenerative disc disease, you’ll need three key pieces of evidence.
- You’ll need a documented physical examination to explore the type and severity of your pain and to fully review all your symptoms.
- You may need diagnostic testing like MRIs, nerve tests, CT scans, and X-rays to show the physical damage to your discs.
- A full medical history.
Even with these records, the Social Security Administration may require further evidence and/or more evaluations to consider you for benefits.
How Long Does It Take to Get Approved for SSD with Degenerative Disc Disease?
The length of time it takes to get a claim approved can vary depending on the severity of your condition and whether or not your paperwork has been filed timely and correctly. If additional testing or diagnostics are required, that may add additional time.
Generally, claims are approved or denied within 3-4 months after filing. If a claim is denied, the appeals process takes additional time.
How Does Age Impact My Chances of Approval for SSD with DDD?
Social Security disability claims are available for individuals between the ages of 18-65. People between the ages of 18-65 must prove that their disability impacts their ability to work and will do so for approximately 12 months or longer.
For individuals over the age of 65, a different evaluation process is used. This evaluation process takes into consideration that age-related disabilities may impact their ability to work and provide for themselves.
Can You Collect Long-Term Disability and Social Security at the Same Time?
Yes. It is possible to collect both long-term disability and Social Security Disability at the same time. Long-term disability often has lower qualification requirements than Social Security, so it is important to understand that if you qualify for long-term disability you do not automatically qualify for Social Security Disability.
If you do qualify for both long-term disability and Social Security Disability, your long-term disability may be offset by the amount of Social Security Disability you receive. The offset ensures that the combination of both benefits does not exceed the amount of compensation you received before your disability.
Common Reasons Why DDD Disability Claims Get Denied
There are several reasons why disability claims may be denied.
- Insufficient medical evidence. If you cannot support the diagnosis and severity of your degenerative disc disease, your claim could be denied.
- Lack of continuous treatment. If you have not sought treatment or have not sought appropriate treatment for your disability, your claim could be denied.
- Clerical errors and missed filing deadlines
- Discrepancies in your paperwork or claims
- Surveillance of social media profiles that show you completing tasks that you have previously stated you are unable to perform.
It is extremely important to work with a qualified Social Security disability attorney to ensure you provide detailed evidence of your disability and file everything correctly. These actions help support your claim and make it stronger.
How a Lawyer Can Help if Your Degenerative Disc Disease Claim Was Denied by the SSA
Working with the Social Security office can be taxing, especially for people who are already in a great deal of pain. In such cases, working with an experienced Social Security disability attorney can help. The team of attorneys at Pond Lehocky Disability will make sure you have all the supporting documents and evidence needed to support your claim to the fullest.
Even if you’ve been previously denied, we can review your case and help you with an appeal. Our attorneys can take the burden of the claims process off your plate so you can focus on taking care of yourself.
Talk to a Social Security Disability Lawyer for Help with Your Degenerative Disc Disease Claim
At Pond Lehocky Disability, we fight to secure the maximum compensation for your pain, suffering, and medical expenses. Backed by 250+ years of combined experience and 100,000+ successful cases, our attorneys are ready to advocate for you. Call 1-800-568-7500 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
