If you have had an accident of some kind involving your back, whether it be a car accident, slip and fall, or workers’ compensation accident, you may wonder if you are eligible for Social Security benefits. Many claims for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits stem from injuries to the back.
If you have a back injury that is preventing you from working, such as herniated disc, arachnoiditis, stenosis, or degenerative disc disease, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits. However, Social Security is going to need to see medical evidence that the injury is so severe it prevents you from working in any capacity.
One of the first things Social Security will look for is a compromise of the nerve root or the spinal cord. Once that has been established, they will look to see if there are effects associated with that compromise. Some effects Social Security looks for are pain and a limitation of your range of motion.
Often, to prove cases for the back, Social Security will look for a recent x-ray or MRI that shows the nerve root or spinal cord compromise. It is difficult, but not impossible, to win a Social Security case without recent imaging showing how severe the injury to your back is. Therefore, it is important to always follow your doctor’s instructions when he or she advises you that they need new imaging.
If you are unable to treat with a physician regularly due to finances, it is important that you see what low or no cost resources are available to you in your area. Social Security must have recent and ongoing medical treatment in order to approve your claim.
If you need help proving you are disabled due to a back injury, contact an experienced disability lawyer today.