While some back injuries do not qualify a person for disability benefits, some will. You’ll need to prove that you have a medically determinable back impairment. These include injuries such as:
- Spinal stenosis
- Herniated discs (chronic pain, untreatable)
- Nerve root compression
- Arachnoidosis
Once you can show that you have a medically determinable disorder, you then can move on to an application for Social Security disability (SSD). Keep in mind that an injury has to be fairly severe to qualify you for disability. For instance, you’ll need to show that you have no ability to work or that you can’t work a full-time job.
How can you show you can’t work?
The best way is to make sure that you get a doctor’s diagnosis and written opinion. He or she is a professional in medicine, so his or her decision regarding your right to work is helpful to the Social Security Administration (SSA). You may want to make copies of your medical documents to include them in your application for SSD.
Is it common to get a denial for Social Security benefits?
Yes, it’s very common, because the process is complicated. If you do receive a denial letter, you have a right to appeal. To have the best chance of being approved on your first application, you should include as much documentation about your injuries as possible. Obtaining help from a legal professional can also help you be certain you’ve included all the necessary information in your application, so you don’t have it returned to you for missing documents or forms.