Scoliosis is a serious and difficult spinal injury that can create lifelong disability and result in everything from respiratory difficulties to severe nerve damage if it goes uncorrected. People who suffer from this illness in varying degrees often need help with their day to day lives, but are they eligible for social security?
The truth is that they may be, but it depends on the specific presentation of the disease. Read about social security disability benefits and how they apply to scoliosis, when you can qualify for these benefits, and the importance of seeking help from an attorney.
Scoliosis and Social Security Disability
Scoliosis is a term that refers to an abnormal spinal curve, which results in an exaggerated S or C-shape to the spine. The symptoms presented by the disease can vary wildly from person to person, and some people experience few effects. Others develop severe nerve and spinal damage, constant back pain, breathing difficulties, and other serious effects.
When it comes to social security disability, only the most serious cases will qualify. There are specific qualifications that you have to meet in order to qualify, and you may need help proving your disability.
Proving Disability
Since Scoliosis on its own isn’t specifically listed among illnesses that are eligible for SSDI, you’ll need to focus on the symptoms you face, and how they affect you. There are listings for spinal disorders, which include some of these symptoms.
Disabling symptoms include inflammation of spinal membranes, nerve root compression, and spinal narrowing, each of which can cause pain, weakness, limited range of motion, a need to constantly change position, and other factors. Other ailments that scoliosis symptoms can fall under include cardiovascular conditions, respiratory conditions, inflammatory arthritis and cardiovascular conditions
Medical Evidence
As with almost every SSDI claim, you’ll need medical evidence to back up your case. You’ll need evidence which can include detailed doctor’s reports detailing examinations, reports of your physical limits, medical diagnostic imaging reports like CAT Scans, X-Rays or MRI results, and records showing that despite all efforts, the condition isn’t improving.
Inability to Work
Every SSDI claim revolves around your inability to work, and that’s what you’ll need to prove the Scoliosis has done to you. Your claim reviewer will assess the limitations placed on you in a physical, sensory and mental way, to determine whether your residual functions qualify you for another type of work you can perform. Because it can be difficult to prove this, many people need help with their application.
SSDI Attorneys
With 70% of social security claims being denied on initial review, it’s essential to get help with your claim from someone who knows the ins and outs of social security processes, the reasons denials occur, and the ways in which you can challenge these denials to get the benefits you need.
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.
