Your spine plays an integral role in every move you make. If you have scoliosis, you know how essential spinal health is to a good quality of life.

Serious cases of scoliosis involve nerve pain, balance problems, and breathing issues. If your scoliosis is particularly severe, you might qualify for SSD benefits. Pond Lehocky Disability may be able to help you recover the benefits you deserve.

What Is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves to one side. A mild degree of curvature may cause few to no symptoms. However, a severe curve can cause life-altering disability. It may be difficult or even impossible to correct.

Scoliosis symptoms can vary from person to person. These are some of the most common effects you might experience:

• One hip is higher than the other
• One side of your back appears more prominent when you bend forward
• One side of your ribcage extends farther forward than the other
• Your shoulders are uneven
• You have persistent back pain that may reach into your legs
• You have difficulty breathing (in the case of an extreme spinal curve)

If your scoliosis involves a severe curvature of the spine, you may be able to see the curve without the help of an X-ray.

What Causes Scoliosis?

Health experts don’t yet understand exactly what causes scoliosis. However, this condition appears to run in families, so it’s likely that genetics play a role. Some people mistakenly believe that carrying heavy backpacks causes scoliosis, especially in children.

Carrying heavy loads for extended time can cause spinal issues and isn’t recommended. However, it won’t cause someone to develop scoliosis. If you have scoliosis already and wear a heavy backpack, any symptoms you have may be exacerbated.

Is Scoliosis a Covered Condition Under the SSA Rules?

The short answer is yes. Scoliosis is a covered condition that may qualify you to receive disability benefits. However, a diagnosis alone isn’t enough. To be approved for benefits, your scoliosis must be serious enough to fit the criteria. These criteria are under the Social Security Administration (SSA) Blue Book guidelines.

Generally speaking, your scoliosis must cause at least one of the following conditions:

• Compression of one or more nerve roots (leading to pain, weakness, or numbness)
• Spinal membrane inflammation (can cause pain)
• Spinal stenosis (can result in pain, paralysis, and other complications)

For your application to be successful, you must be able to prove your diagnosis and its impact on your life. A qualified SSD lawyer can guide you through each aspect of your claim.

Documenting Scoliosis Can Help You Win Your Case

You already know how much your scoliosis impacts your day-to-day life. However, to get your application approved, you must be able to prove your diagnosis. You must also prove its effects on your ability to perform routine tasks to the SSA.

The right documentation can make all the difference. Here are some key documents to compile:

Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) Form

Because of fraud concerns, the SSA generally won’t take an applicant’s word for it. Ask your doctor to fill out an RFC form to help the SSA understand exactly how your disability has impacted you.

Imaging Reports

X-rays and other forms of medical imaging reports are also valuable. These items serve to offer irrefutable visual proof of your condition.

Your Medical History

Submitting your medical history (at least as it pertains to scoliosis) can also be helpful. Make sure to include the names and contact information of all medical providers. Don’t forget key treatment dates.

How Much Does a Scoliosis Disability Lawyer Cost?

Scoliosis gets in the way of your ability to work. You might understandably be concerned about the cost of hiring a legal representative. Fortunately, this isn’t as big of a roadblock as you might expect.

If a lawyer agrees to handle your claim, they’ll draw up a fee agreement and send it to the SSA for approval. The SSA tries to prevent the exploitation of disabled clients. They set fee caps to the lesser of the following amounts:

• $9,200 (as of November 2024)
• 25% of your back pay

Typically, you won’t have to pay anything upfront. If your claim is approved, the SSA can pay your lawyer directly out of your back pay.

How Can an SSD Lawyer Help with a Scoliosis Claim?

The steps involved in applying for disability can seem extremely complex and confusing. Social Security disability lawyers work with this system daily. They understand what measures to take to improve your chances of approval.

Your lawyer can also help streamline the process on a logistical level. They can prepare and file the necessary paperwork. They can represent you in hearings and communicate directly with the SSA when needed.

SSDI vs. SSI for Scoliosis Claims

There is a difference between SSDI and SSI. Both are types of disability assistance offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, each has its own criteria and features.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

To qualify for SSDI, you must meet the following requirements:

• Your condition must prevent you from holding gainful, sustainable employment.
• You must be under 65.
• Your condition must be projected to last a year or longer.
• You must have earned 20 Social Security credits in the past 10 years.
• You must have earned one additional credit for each year beyond the age of 42.

The need for Social Security work credits is what sets SSDI apart from SSI. Most people earn four credits per year in the workforce. However, there are some exceptions to this requirement. For example, if your disability started when you were 22 or younger, you may be able to use a parent’s work credits.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI benefits are based on financial need rather than work credits. To qualify, you must be disabled and meet the basic criteria for public assistance.

What Can You Do if Your SSD Claim for Scoliosis Is Denied?

If your initial claim is rejected, don’t panic. Each year, about 2.5 million people apply for SSDI or SSI benefits — and less than half are approved. The good news is you have the option to appeal.

The system tends to award those who are persistent, which means taking the time to file an appeal can pay off. If you don’t already have a disability lawyer, hiring one can help ensure that your appeal is successful.

Talk to a Lawyer if You Have Scoliosis and You’re Having Difficulty Getting Benefits

If you’re having trouble securing disability benefits for scoliosis, you’re not alone. Even applicants with well-documented disabilities are often denied. However, one denial doesn’t mean you can’t qualify for benefits. Working with an experienced disability attorney can improve your chances of being approved.

At Pond Lehocky Disability, we focus on assisting those applying for disability benefits. That focus makes us especially well-equipped to help you. We succeed when you succeed, and we’re ready to help you attain a better quality of life. Contact us today if you need help applying for scoliosis disability benefits.

You can also reach us at <a href=”tel:+18005685700″>1-800-568-5700</a>.