Believe it or not, back problems are a very common reason why so many people apply for social security disability benefits. However, since back pain is subjective and a root cause is not always so easy to find, pain associated with this condition is subjective. It is difficult to get approved for social security disability benefits for back pain because pain that one person might consider to be debilitating might not be as pronounced to others. Even when a problem can clearly be detected with medical evidence, the experience and abilities of the patient is often far worse than it appears.
Due to the nature of back pain, adjusters with the Social Security Administration must determine whether or not an individual is disabled based off their own statements, rather than medical evidence such as imaging or tests. At The Law Offices of Dr. Bill LaTour, your SSDI lawyer and social security disability resources professional, we want to be sure that you are armed with the knowledge that will lead you to a successful case. Here is a general overview of what you can expect when pursuing your SSDI claim for back problems.
How An SSDI Claim Is Evaluated
The Social Security Administration will evaluate your SSDI claim for back problems by assessing three factors.
- The first is the objective signs and symptoms, which include scientific evidence that you do indeed have a debilitating condition. This may include imaging or any diagnostic testing.
- Assessing any functional limitations, such as the inability to bend over fully or the need to move or change positions frequently in order to prevent stiffness or pain.
- Your credibility, since this decision will be made largely on your word rather than medical indicators.
Proof With Signs And Symptoms
It will not be enough to simply say that your back pain is a disability. You must be able to prove that your condition is one that limits you drastically and prevents you from functioning normally in day to day life. This can only be done by properly presenting signs and symptoms. In order to receive SSDI benefits, you must have a “medically determinable impairment.” It is best to receive confirmation to provide to the SSA that will show undeniable proof that you have a back abnormality. Some examples include:
- X-ray imaging to determine fractures in the vertebrae
- Damaged areas in the back found by discography
- A CT scan that point to spinal stenosis
- Bone degeneration shown by MRI
- Muscle weakness in the body determined by EEG
Outlining Limitations With Your Disability
Limitations that are related to back problems range from mild to severe. A functional limitation is something that you are completely unable to do due to your back condition. The most important parts of your claim are the ones that cover the extent of your disability and how your back pain prevents you from completing many normal activities. These limitations must be well-documented in your medical records, and a SSDI doctor will examine you further to insure you are actually unable to do the things that you say you are unable to do.
Seek SSDI Benefits
We’ve been helping disabled individuals in the Greater Los Angeles area, the Inland Empire, and Orange County get the disability benefits they need for years. Call Dr. Bill LaTour and his team today at 800-803-5090 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.
