Navigating the SSDI process can be daunting, especially when dealing with complex medical conditions such as disorders of the skeletal spine. As a dedicated Social Security Disability Lawyer with over two decades of experience, I’m here to guide you through the intricacies of qualifying for disability benefits under Section 1.15 of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Listing of Impairments, which specifically addresses disorders of the skeletal spine.
Section 1.15 of the SSA’s Blue Book focuses on disorders of the skeletal spine that result in compromise of a nerve root(s) or the spinal cord. This section is crucial for individuals suffering from spine-related issues that severely impair their ability to function and work. Here’s what you need to know:
- Definition and Criteria:
- Disorders covered: This includes conditions like herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and other spinal disorders that affect nerve roots or the spinal cord.
- Evidence required: To qualify, you must provide medical evidence of nerve root compression characterized by neuro-anatomic distribution of pain, limitation of motion of the spine, motor loss accompanied by sensory or reflex loss, and, if there is involvement of the lower back, positive straight-leg raising test (sitting and supine).
- Advanced Imaging Requirements:
- Medical imaging such as MRI or CT scans must show evidence of nerve root compression or spinal cord compromise.
- These images are used to objectively confirm the presence of a disorder that meets the SSA’s criteria.
- Other Considerations:
- The SSA also considers the impact of the disorder on your functional capacity, including limitations in walking, standing, sitting, lifting, and carrying. There are also many other medical conditions that may entitle you for disability.
Examples of Disorders of the Skeletal Spine:
- Herniated Disc: This occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior casing, which can compress nearby nerve roots.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: This condition involves the deterioration of the spinal discs, leading to pain, weakness, or numbness due to nerve compression.
- Spinal Stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal that can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots, leading to pain and mobility issues.
- Spondylolisthesis: A condition in which one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, potentially compressing nerve roots and causing pain.
- Osteoarthritis of the Spine: Degenerative changes that can lead to bone spurs or other abnormalities that compress nerve roots.
To qualify for disability benefits under this category, it is crucial to provide comprehensive medical evidence, including imaging tests and physician reports, that clearly demonstrate the presence of a qualifying condition and its impact on the individual’s ability to perform work-related activities. If you are having trouble with your disability claim, call a Social Security attorney for a free consultation. Likewise, please be aware that there are many other conditions that may qualify and it is best to talk to your doctos about the possibility of filing a disability claim
