Back pain and qualifying for SSD

Back pain and qualifying for SSD

On Behalf of | Apr 27, 2018 | Social Security Disability |

It may come as no surprise to California residents that back pain is a common ailment across the country. In fact, back pain is one of the most common reasons for Social Security Disability applications and also commonly refused because intermittent or moderate back pain are not covered by it.

Back pain can be varied and caused by varying circumstances. It can be caused by lifting something heavy or a work-accident, bad posture or stress, structural issues or even due to being overweight. It can be degenerative in nature, such as arthritis, or due to a herniated or pinched nerve. Even though four out of every five Americans will most likely experience this pain in their lifetime, not all the conditions listed above are covered by the SSA. So then what can one receive SSD benefits for?

Disorders of the spine are listed in the document prepared by the SSA to evaluate medical conditions. Degenerative disc diseases, herniated discs, vertebral fractures and osteoarthritis are all addressed in this section. For example, DDD must result in a compromise of a nerve root and this must be evidenced by limited motion of the spine, motor function loss and sensory or reflex loss. There are various tests that must be conducted to determine if it exists or not.

Meeting the medical requirements for back pain is not easy, but it is not impossible. Various medical tests and reports must be submitted, demonstrating that the condition has existed for a specific number of months and should be from an acceptable source. To understand the requirements and ensure one meets them, it might be beneficial to consult an experienced attorney.

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