Living with a condition like spinal stenosis can present significant physical and financial challenges. Many individuals with spinal stenosis may find it difficult to maintain regular employment because of the severity of their symptoms.
If you are experiencing limitations in your ability to work because of spinal stenosis, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Understanding Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a medical condition characterized by the narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. Spinal stenosis can occur in the neck (cervical stenosis) or lower back (lumbar stenosis).
Several factors can contribute to developing spinal stenosis, including:
- Aging: As we age, the natural wear and tear on the spine can lead to degenerative changes that narrow the spinal canal.
- Congenital abnormalities: Some individuals are born with a naturally narrow spinal canal, predisposing them to spinal stenosis later in life.
- Injury or trauma: Fractures, dislocations, or other spinal injuries can cause misalignment or displacement of vertebrae, leading to spinal stenosis.
- Bone diseases: Conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or Paget’s disease can contribute to developing bone spurs or abnormal bone growth, narrowing the spinal canal.
- Spinal tumors: Benign or malignant tumors can grow within the spinal canal, compressing the spinal cord and nerve roots.
The symptoms of spinal stenosis can vary depending on the location and severity of the narrowing. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Pain: Radiating pain, numbness, or tingling in the legs, arms, or buttocks, often worsening with walking or standing for extended periods.
- Weakness: Muscle weakness or loss of sensation in the affected areas.
- Mobility limitations: Difficulty walking, balancing, or performing routine activities because of pain or weakness.
- Neurological symptoms: In severe cases, spinal stenosis can lead to bladder or bowel incontinence, or loss of coordination and balance.
One or more of these symptoms can significantly affect an individual’s ability to perform everyday tasks, let alone maintain consistent employment.
Pain medication may help temporarily relieve symptoms and physical therapy may provide exercises to help as well, but surgery is often needed to correct severe cases. Even with surgery, many with spinal stenosis find the problem to reoccur and still cannot maintain employment.
SSDI and Spinal Stenosis
To qualify for SSDI benefits because of spinal stenosis, individuals must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) criteria for eligibility through a five-step process:
- Prove your current monthly earnings are at or below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level the year you apply. You can find the current SGA here.
- Demonstrate that spinal stenosis severely affects your mobility and functional abilities, including standing, walking, lifting, grasping, fine motor skills, and cognitive reasoning.
- Document a spinal stenosis diagnosis matching the SSA’s impairments listings 1.16. This listing applies specifically to lumbar spinal stenosis affecting the cauda equina (bundle of nerve roots in the lower spine). To meet the criteria, the medical evidence must show:
- Symptoms of neurological compromise (non-radicular pain, sensory loss, or neurogenic claudication)
- Non-radicular neurological signs (muscle weakness, sensory changes, areflexia, or bowel/bladder incontinence)
- Imaging or operative findings confirming cauda equina compression
- Impairment-related physical limitations lasting or expected to last for at least 12 months, necessitating the use of assistive devices (walker, canes, crutches, or wheeled mobility device), OR
- Demonstrate an inability to perform any past jobs or work successfully again because of worsening symptoms of spinal stenosis.
- Show how no other employment is possible for youto do considering your age, education, prior work experience, and remaining physical and mental capabilities.
Getting Help Filing Disability for Spinal Stenosis
The process of applying for SSDI benefits because of spinal stenosis can be overwhelming, especially for individuals who are dealing with the challenges of their medical condition. Seeking the help of an experienced attorney with expertise in Social Security disability matters can significantly improve the chances of a successful disability claim. An attorney can provide valuable guidance, ensure all necessary documentation gets submitted accurately, and represent individuals in the event of a denial and the need for a hearing.
At Brock and Stout, our team of disability attorneys has effectively helped clients receive the disability benefits they need and deserve because of conditions like spinal stenosis. We understand the complexities of the SSDI application process and are dedicated to guiding individuals through each step with compassion and expertise. If you are struggling with spinal stenosis and its impact on your ability to work, contact us for a free evaluation to see how we can help you get the benefits you need.