Living with a spinal condition can be challenging, often impacting daily life. For many, these conditions hinder the ability to work, leading to financial strain. The SSA offers disability benefits if your condition is severe.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims can be daunting. Consulting with an SSD lawyer at Pond Lehocky Disability is a practical first step.

What Spinal Conditions Qualify for Social Security Disability?

The SSA’s Blue Book has criteria for musculoskeletal disorders to qualify for disability. Below is a list of spinal conditions recognized by the SSA, along with brief descriptions:

• Herniated Nucleus Pulposus (Herniated Disc): This condition causes pain, numbness, or weakness.
• Spinal Osteoarthritis (Spondylosis): A degenerative joint disease leading to pain and stiffness.
• Vertebral Slippage (Spondylolisthesis): A condition where a vertebra slips over the below one. This compresses nerves and results in lower back pain and leg symptoms.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: A slow deterioration of intervertebral discs. This leads to chronic pain, instability, and reduced mobility.
• Facet Arthritis: Inflammation of the facet joints. This causes pain and limits movement.
• Vertebral Fracture or Dislocation: Breaks or displacements of the vertebrae. These can lead to severe pain and potential spinal cord injury.
• Spinal Stenosis: The narrowing of spaces within the spine. This causes pain, numbness, or weakness.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Arthritis primarily affects the spine. This leads to severe, chronic pain and discomfort.
• Spinal Cord Disorders with Complete Loss of Function: These disorders cause bodily dysfunction.

It’s important to note that simply having a diagnosis is insufficient for approval. The SSA requires medical evidence showing that your condition severely limits your abilities.

Can You Get Disability Benefits for Back Pain?

Back pain is one of the most common medical issues. However, not all cases qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. To be eligible, your back pain must result from a medically determinable impairment. It must be diagnosed through medical evidence like X-rays, MRIs, or clinical exams.

Your condition must be severe and significantly limit your ability to work. These include walking, standing, lifting, bending, or focusing due to chronic pain. Additionally, the impairment must be expected to last at least one year or be terminal.

How the SSA Evaluates Back Pain Claims

The SSA evaluates back pain claims by reviewing medical records. These include imaging results, physician statements, and functional assessments. They assess your pain’s intensity, persistence, and functional impact. They then consider whether it restricts your ability to work full-time. Simply stating that you experience pain is not enough. You must provide detailed medical proof that outlines the cause of the pain. You must also show the treatments attempted and how the condition limits your daily life.

Statements from healthcare providers and physical therapy records can further strengthen your case. If your pain is severe but does not meet a listed impairment, the SSA will assess you differently. They will use the residual functional capacity (RFC) to determine what work, if any, you can do.

Do You Need a Disability Lawyer to Help with a Spinal Condition Claim?

It’s not mandatory to have a disability lawyer represent you in your SSDI claim. However, experienced legal representation can make a remarkable difference in your case. The SSDI application process is complex. It requires extensive medical documentation and strict adherence to SSA regulations. Many claims are denied due to lack of evidence. Procedural mistakes and a failure to show the severity of the condition also matter.

A knowledgeable disability lawyer can help at every stage of the process. We can increase the likelihood of a successful claim. Here’s how an experienced SSDI lawyer can assist you:

• Gather and Present Comprehensive Medical Evidence: Ensuring medical records are submitted appropriately.
• Navigate Complex Regulations: Interpreting and applying SSA rules and guidelines to your claim.
• Develop a Strong Case Strategy: Don’t worry if your condition is not on the impairment list. An attorney can build an argument based on your residual functional capacity (RFC). This will show that you cannot perform any substantial gainful activity.
• Represent You in Hearings: We advocate on your behalf during appeals or hearings. We can help if your initial claim is denied.
• Enhance the Likelihood of Approval: We present a well-structured and substantiated case. This increases the chances of a favorable outcome.

Whether you are just starting your application or facing a denial, you can work with an SSDI lawyer. We can reduce stress and improve your chances of obtaining the necessary benefits.

How Much Does a Disability Lawyer Cost?

Understanding the cost structure for hiring a disability lawyer is essential. Most disability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if you win your case.

The standard contingency fee is generally 25% of the past-due SSDI you are entitled to, up to a maximum set by the SSA. This arrangement ensures that claimants can access legal representation without upfront costs. This makes it more feasible for those facing financial hardships due to disability.

How Contingency Agreements Work

In a contingency fee agreement, expect to see:

1. No Upfront Fees: You don’t pay any money when you hire an attorney.
2. Payment Upon Successful Outcome: We receive a percent of the back pay you get. These past-due benefits are capped at the SSA’s maximum limit.
3. No Fee if Unsuccessful: If your claim is not approved, the attorney does not receive a fee for their services.

This structure aligns the attorney’s interests with yours. This is because they are motivated to secure your maximum benefits.

What Can You Do if Your Spinal Condition Claim Is Denied?

It’s not uncommon for initial SSDI claims to be denied. However, a denial is not the end of the road. If your claim is denied, there are a series of appeals available:

1. Request Reconsideration: You can request that a different examiner review your claim.
2. Attend a Hearing: If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing. These are conducted before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
3. Appeal Further: If the ALJ denies your claim, there are additional appeals processes. These include review by the Appeals Council and, ultimately, the U.S. District Court.

Having a disability lawyer can be invaluable in presenting a compelling case.

Talk to a Lawyer if the SSD Is Denying Your Claim for Benefits

The SSDI application process can be unbearable when dealing with a disability. At Pond Lehocky Disability, we are committed to helping you secure your benefits. Our experienced legal team grasps the complexities of the SSA system. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized representation.

Let us help you work towards obtaining the financial support you need. You can reach us at 1-800-568-5700.