Many individuals suffering from severe back pain can qualify for social security disability benefits. Back pain is an unfortunate aspect of the aging process, but severe degenerative disc disease can be a detriment to your ability to work many types of jobs. Degenerative disk disease (DDD) is a condition caused by a damaged disc and can be identified by the extremely painful symptoms that make sitting, standing or walking for very long impossible.
Spinal discs work to absorb the impact of movement for the spine. They help the back remain flexible and assist with an individual’s range of motion. Once a disc is injured, either a tear in the tougher outer layer, or exposure to inner inflammatory proteins it cannot repair itself and can cause excruciating pain.
Each stage causes varying degrees of pain but can make holding down a steady job very difficult to do. If you are over age 50 with degenerative disc disease the most important question to ask when deciding whether to apply for social security disability is, “Can I still do my past work?”
If you are over 50 years of age and have degenerative disc disease, it can be nearly impossible to lift the weight required of your last employment, sit at the desk that you worked at in the past, or walk your past route. Because of the pain and reduced mobility caused by DDD you could qualify to receive social security disability benefits. Under age 50, if you are experiencing pain that significantly limits your ability to do any job, even the most low- stress, sedentary job, then you may qualify as well.
What Does the Social Security Look For in Degenerative Disk Disease Cases?
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Medical Evidence
- MRI
- Xray
- Physical exam findings
- Range of motion
- Inability to touch toes
- Positive straight leg raise test
- Muscle weakness
- Tenderness
- Medications and response
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Your symptoms
- Reported pain
- Degree of impact on your daily life
- Difficult to do laundry?
- Trouble walking around the grocery store?
- Do your medical records talk about examples of difficulties with daily activities?
- Difficulty sleeping
How Does Social Security Evaluate Your Pain Level?
The Social Security Administration will evaluate your pain level in making a decision for disability benefits. During the initial application process (and appeal) for SSDI/SSI, you’ll be asked about your pain level and how much it impacts you on a day to day basis. It’s important to detail the specific aspects of your pain and not just tell SSA that “it hurts” or “is painful.” Also, make sure you talk to your doctor about your pain level and impact during visits.
Things to think about when describing your pain:
- Pain
- Exacerbated by sitting.
- Sedentary, the discs of the lower back can have up to 3x the weight, and compared to standing.
- Severe pain that worsens with bending, lifting or twisting
- The consistent need to change positions often and/or lying down to escape back pain
- Periods of varying pain severity depending on activity
- Stiffness worse in the morning
- Difficulty rising from seated position like toilet
- Radiating pain that impacts the lower back area, buttocks and thighs, or neck
- Depending on the location of the affected disc, pain could even be felt radiating through the arms and hands.
- Exacerbated by sitting.
- Neuropathy
- Numbness and/or tingling in feet and hands
- Weakness in the legs and arms
- Difficulties grasping or gripping
- Leg muscles or foot drop may signify damage to the nerve roots.
You’ve got enough to worry about, let Viner Disability Law help you navigate the disability process. From the initial application process to the hearing to federal court, we do it all.
Call now for a free case evaluation 720-515-9012
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