How Severe Does My Spinal Stenosis Have To Be To Get a Disability Benefit?

Spinal stenosis is a serious medical condition but there are hundreds of other conditions that qualify for disability benefits, so applicants must remember their spinal stenosis must be severe enough to qualify.

If your spinal stenosis is so severe that you are unable to work for at least 12 months you may qualify for a disability benefit as long as you provide sufficient evidence proving the severity of the spinal stenosis diagnosis.

Blue Book Listing

Symptoms of spinal stenosis, many of which become worse over time, include the following:

  • tingling or weakness in the upper or lower extremities;
  • suffering from numbness;
  • suffering from back pain;
  • having pain or cramps in the legs after standing for prolonged periods of time;
  • experiencing difficulties with walking or balancing.

When the SSA makes a decision about disability benefits it looks to see if the medical condition is listed in its Blue Book. Spinal stenosis is listed as a disabling condition under section 1.04(C) of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Blue Book under “Disorders of the Spine.”

Applicants seeking eligibility for disability benefits based on this diagnosis must be able to prove that the spinal stenosis has impinged or inflamed a nerve linked to the spinal cord. This nerve compression must be supported from the results of medical imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan.

Applying for Disability Benefits

It is never easy qualifying for disability benefits even with a painful medical condition like spinal stenosis and 2/3 of initial applications are denied. Denials are often due to insufficient medical evidence proving the presence of spinal stenosis like test results.

However, working with an attorney can help you understand the SSA’s designated conditions and related medical requirements and your status regarding those with your diagnosis of spinal stenosis.

How a Disabling Medical Condition May Affect You and Your Family

When you are diagnosed with a severe medical condition like spinal stenosis it can be hard for you and your family to live with the condition and you may be experiencing the following:

  • be constantly suffering from financial strain;
  • feeling excessive stress due to your disability and the financial pressure it is imposing on you and your family;
  • finding it hard do basic life tasks without assistance;
  • suffer mentally and emotionally because of your health condition;
  • feel unable to participate in many – if not all – activities that once brought you joy and happiness;
  • not being able to provide the income your family needs to survive and thrive from one day to the next.

    • Next Steps

    Often, an application for disability benefits for spinal stenosis is denied because the sufferer hasn’t been able to provide sufficient to support the diagnosis and its symptoms. To help ensure you qualify for disability benefits, get a free case evaluation today!

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