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Can You Get SSDI for Back Issues?

November 16, 2020 Disability

A Baltimore Social Security Disability Attorney Explains Back Injuries and SSDI

Do you suffer from excruciating back pain that makes working unbearable? If so, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. The federal government, through the Social Security Administration (SSA), administers the Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) program, which enables individuals to receive financial assistance if they have a qualifying disability and have earned enough work credits (and paid enough in taxes to the Social Security program) to be considered eligible for benefits.  To determine whether you have earned sufficient work credits to qualify for federal disability benefits, log into your mySocialSecurity account, and review your Social Security account statement. 

Various types of back injury conditions may qualify an individual for disability benefits. Some conditions may occur naturally with age, while others may result from an accident, disease, or other injuries.  Some examples of back problems that could qualify an applicant for disability include, but are not limited to:

  • Herniated discs
  • Scoliosis
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Degenerative disc disorder
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

Medical Evidence of Back Problems

Even though you may have been diagnosed with a back condition, you will need to provide significant medical evidence to show your back problem prevents you from working.  The SSA can make it a challenge for you to obtain benefits for a back problem without proper documentation.  The SSA uses its own medical guide to evaluate disability conditions known as the Blue Book.  The Blue Book does not provide a specific listing for back pain, but it does list some conditions that cause back pain.  For example, some back issues can be classified under Blue Book Section 1.04, which deals with spinal disorders, such as degenerative disc disease, lumbar spinal stenosis, and spinal arachnoiditis.  

To prove your disability case to the SSA, you may need to submit extensive medical records to the SSA examiner to evaluate your back condition, such as reports of your medical examinations over a period of time, x-rays, MRIs, and physician’s notes that indicate that your back conditions cause your pain and discomfort making it difficult for you to perform your job.  You need to show the examiner that your back condition causes daily limitations that impact your ability to work.

Because the SSDI application process for back conditions can be lengthy, complicated, and result in the initial denial of benefits, you are encouraged to speak with an experienced Baltimore Social Security Disability attorney.  A disability attorney can help evaluate your case, help you collect the documentation you need to prove your case, and help you with the appeals process if you are denied. 

Next Steps: Contact a Baltimore Social Security Disability Attorney Today

Do you have chronic back issues that prevent you from working? If so, contact an experienced Baltimore Social Security disability attorney at the Law Office of Emmett B. Irwin.  If you would like to learn more about how we can help you, contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. We work with clients throughout Maryland and surrounding states.