Is a spinal injury considered a disability?
Anyone with a spinal cord injury can file a claim for Social Security disability benefits as long as the injury has lasted at least three months and is expected to make it impossible for you to work for at least 12 months.
Can you work with a spinal cord injury?
In fact, people with spinal cord injuries can and do return to work. You may be able to keep the job you had before. Or you may need to consider other options. This includes changing fields, getting more education or job training, or learning new skills.
How serious is a pinched spinal cord?
A compressed spinal cord can lead to paralysis if severe. Management of pinched nerves may include an initial trial of conservative care, including therapy, steroid injections, medication, and time. Surgery may be required if patients do not improve.
Do you qualify for Social Security disability with spinal cord injury?
Many, but not all, individuals with spinal cord injuries are automatically eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Give this form to your doctor to determine whether you meet the requirements for any of Social Security’s back disorder listings.
What kind of back injury can you get disability for?
To get disability benefits, you must have a “medically determinable” back impairment such as spinal stenosis, nerve root compression, herniated disc (if it’s chronic and not treatable), or arachnoiditis.
Can a person still work after spinal cord injury?
(Also see “ Resources ,” below.) Sometimes it is not possible for a person to obtain any kind of work after SCI. This includes people who cannot earn enough by working to pay for their own personal care assistance and other disability costs. People who live in rural areas may not have access to transportation or employment.
Is it possible to get disability for spinal stenosis?
With your doctor’s support and good medical records, getting disability for spinal stenosis (a listed condition) is not out of reach. Arachnoiditis is one of the few back conditions recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA) as an official impairment listing.
Do you qualify for Social Security disability if you have spinal condition?
If you have a condition of the spine that makes it impossible for you to work and earn a living, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has two programs, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
How long does disability last after back surgery?
Since the SSA requires that an impairment has lasted or is expected to last 12 months to qualify for benefits, the SSA is not likely to expect impairment from routine spinal surgery to last long enough to qualify for benefits.
Can a person with a spinal disorder work?
Most people with a spinal disorder do have some difficulty performing physical work because the spinal cord affects almost every bodily function to some degree. Most people who suffer from a spinal disorder will suffer pain to some extent.
To get disability benefits, you must have a “medically determinable” back impairment such as spinal stenosis, nerve root compression, herniated disc (if it’s chronic and not treatable), or arachnoiditis.