Does your job require you to bend, stoop, twist, push, and reach for long periods of time? Over time, this regular wear and tear can lead to spinal stenosis and other degenerative back problems. This condition could potentially prevent you from carrying out day-to-day activities with ease.
If your disorder is keeping you from earning a living, you may be eligible for financial assistance. The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program was established to help people who have become disabled as a result of conditions such as spinal stenosis. Before we go on to discuss whether this is deemed a permanent disability, let's discuss what it is.
What Is Spinal Stenosis?
The narrowing of your spinal canal is known as spinal stenosis, and it is caused by age-related changes as well as the wear and tear of daily activities. Scoliosis, for example, affects a small percentage of persons who are born with a narrowing of the spinal canal.
When the spinal canal becomes narrower, due to bone spurs, swelling, or collapsed or herniated discs, your spinal cord, and nerves may become compressed, causing pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness.
Is Spinal Stenosis Permanent?
If you have spinal stenosis that is severe enough that you are unable to work or perform daily tasks, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Under diseases of the spine, spinal stenosis is listed in the Social Security disability blue book. The Disability Evaluation Under Social Security, often known as the Blue Book, is a list of disability conditions and impairments that may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
A disability, according to the SSA, is defined as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to any medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) that can be expected to result in death or that has lasted or can be expected to last for at least one year.
If you have spinal stenosis and feel it will keep you out of work for at least a year, you may be judged handicapped by the Social Security Administration and be eligible for disability benefits.
How To Apply For SSD Due To Spinal Stenosis?
You can apply for Social Security disability benefits in person at an SSA office, over the phone at 800-772-1213, or online at www.ssa.gov. You'll need quite a bit of information to fill out the disability application, including all of your medical providers' contact information and dates of treatment, the dates of any medical tests, and the names, addresses, and dates of employment for all of your employers in the last 15 years.
Conclusion
Spinal stenosis is a disorder that affects your back. It results in chronic pain, numbness, and weakness in your body. This can severely affect your movement and eventually takes a toll on your ability to move. Depending on how severe your symptoms are, you may be able to file for a permanent spinal stenosis disability.
If you're interested in finding out more about disabilities as well as SSA, head to Disability Help. You can avail of numerous resources such as how to check the status of your disability.
