If you suffer from chronic back pain, you know just how debilitating it can be. Not only can severe back pain keep you from enjoying your private life, but it can also prevent you from being able to work. Conditions like arthritis, herniated discs, and other chronic back problems can limit your movement and make it impossible to sit or stand for prolonged periods. Unfortunately, whether or not back pain constitutes a disability is not so straightforward as far as Social Security is concerned.
Does Back Pain Qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income?
So can you collect Social Security disability benefits for back pain? The answer depends on the specifics of your condition. The Social Security Administration does not recognize chronic back pain as a condition that qualifies for benefits in and of itself. Instead, it requires that you have concrete evidence of your condition in the form of x-rays, MRIs, or a doctor’s note saying that you have a physical abnormality. You must have had your condition for at least a year. Chronic back pain without a classifiable condition is unlikely to qualify for Social Security.
Credibility Matters
Because chronic back pain can be tricky to prove, your credibility in the eyes of the Social Security Administration will carry a lot of weight for your application. For this reason, it is vital that you be honest during your application and refrain from exaggerating your pain or the impact it has had on your life. Instead, focus on the number of times you’ve seen a doctor, your doctor’s thoughts on your condition, the treatments you’ve undergone, and how it affects your life and work.
Legal Assistance for Individuals with Chronic Back Pain
If you have a medical condition related to back pain that prevents you from working, you may be able to qualify for Social Security disability benefits through either SSI or SSDI. Drew L. Johnson, Attorneys at Law in Eugene, OR can help you determine whether you might qualify for benefits and can help you successfully navigate the application process. Call (541) 434-6466 today to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced Social Security disability attorney.
