Can I Receive Disability Benefits For Back Pain?
Chronic back pain can be a debilitating condition that can severely impact your ability to work and support yourself financially. The Social Security system offers support to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability, but qualifying for disability payments can be challenging, as it requires meeting SSDI eligibility criteria. If your back pain is not a symptom of a long-term health condition or injury, it may be difficult to receive disability payments for it.
If you are a resident of Sacramento and suffer from chronic back pain that prevents you from working, attorney Jon Sipes can help you obtain the disability benefits you deserve. With years of experience helping clients navigate the complex SSDI application and appeals process, Jon Sipes understands the critical difference disability payments can make to his clients. He is committed to fighting tirelessly to ensure his clients receive the disability awards they are entitled to under the law.
What Are Social Security Benefits?
The Social Security benefits system offers two types of benefits, namely Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These benefits are designed to assist individuals who are unable to work due to long-term medical conditions or injuries. The type of benefit you are eligible for depends on your work history and the amount of Social Security taxes you have paid.
To qualify for SSDI, you must have paid Social Security taxes and worked for a minimum of ten years.
If you have never worked or have worked for less than 10 years, you are not eligible for SSDI. Instead, you may be eligible for SSI, a need-based program available to the elderly and those who are blind or have another disability.
SSDI payments are calculated based on the amount of Social Security taxes paid, while SSI payments are determined by several factors but are generally based on a fixed amount established by Congress. As a result, SSDI payments are usually higher than SSI payments. Moreover, people who receive SSI benefits can qualify for Medicaid right away, whereas those who receive SSDI benefits have to wait for two years to be eligible for Medicare.
What Is a Disability?
In order to be eligible for SSDI or SSI benefits, you must have a long-term and severe medical condition that is anticipated to last at least one year or lead to death. Additionally, the medical condition must impede you from engaging in any substantial gainful activity (SGA).
SGA is defined as earning an income of more than $1,260 per month in 2020. This monthly income threshold can be subject to change due to inflation and economic conditions, but it typically remains unchanged for at least one year.
Numerous medical conditions can lead to a disability that inhibits work capacity, including physical injuries, chronic illnesses, and mental health conditions. The Social Security Administration maintains a guide that it uses to determine if a condition or injury qualifies as a disability for benefit purposes.
Is Chronic Back Pain Considered A Disability?
The presence of back pain alone is not sufficient to qualify for disability benefits as per the guidelines of the Social Security Administration. Rather, it is viewed as a symptom of an underlying long-term medical condition that could potentially be classified as a disability. Thus, back pain must be associated with the symptoms of medically recognized disorders that affect the back and spine to be considered eligible for disability benefits.
How Does the Social Security Administration Evaluate Disability Claims Based on Back Pain?
To determine if chronic back pain is indicative of a disability, the Social Security Administration assesses whether your symptoms correspond to recognized medical conditions affecting the back and spine. These conditions include degenerative or worn spinal discs, inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or spondylitis, and nerve damage resulting from spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and other conditions.
When reviewing your disability claim, the SSA will evaluate objective evidence of your symptoms and compare them to those of recognized spinal disorders. They will also consider any limitations on your range of motion, such as difficulty bending, kneeling, standing, or changing positions, and assess how these limitations affect your ability to work. Finally, the credibility of your statements regarding your pain will also be taken into account since such evidence is usually based on your subjective experience.
How do I Prove I have Chronic Back Pain?
If you’re suffering from debilitating back pain that affects your ability to work for over a year, the most reliable way to prove it is through medical evidence like X-rays or MRI scans. The Social Security Administration reviews these scans to look for physical abnormalities in the spine that may be causing the pain. Additionally, your doctor’s notes that suggest a connection between your spine and pain can also be beneficial. Without demonstrating a physical link between the spine and pain, it’s less likely that the Social Security Administration will approve disability benefits for reported back pain.
How do I Prepare to File a Social Security Benefits Claim?
If you suffer from chronic back pain and want to improve your chances of receiving Social Security disability benefits, one important step is to obtain a diagnosis for a physical condition that is causing the pain. However, there are other steps you can take to strengthen your case as well.
One critical factor in proving a disability is the information in your medical records. Keeping copies of all your medical appointments, diagnoses, treatments, and progress can provide valuable evidence to support your claims for back pain. It may also be helpful to maintain a personal diary of medical appointments, including the type of physician you saw and your takeaways from each visit.
Another important factor is documenting how your back pain has affected your ability to work. If you are currently employed or were employed in the past but had to stop working due to your back pain, it is essential to keep records of your job position, the job requirements, and how your physical condition limited your ability to perform the job.
Finally, it is important to continue going to your doctor and attending all medically related appointments, including physical therapy. This ongoing treatment helps establish that your condition is current and has lasted for at least one year, which is a requirement for Social Security disability benefits. Even if your treatment is not providing relief, continuing to see your doctor is essential for strengthening your case.
Contact A Social Security Disability Attorney
Chronic back pain can be debilitating and hinder your ability to perform daily tasks and work. However, receiving disability benefits for back pain can be challenging since it is difficult to prove. The Social Security Administration often requires objective medical evidence to support your claim. Jon Sipes, an experienced attorney, can help you understand the eligibility requirements and guide you in building a strong case to increase your chances of receiving disability benefits. Contact Jon today for a free consultation.
This information included on these pages does not constitute legal advice and should be used as such. This is for informational purposes only.
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