Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease is when one or more of the discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column deteriorate or break down, leading to pain. Despite its name, this ailment isn’t actually a disease; it is a condition caused over time by daily activities, sports, injuries or if a spinal disc dries out and shrinks. Disc degeneration may cause no symptoms, or the pain may be so severe that the individual cannot continue with their normal routines. An estimated one-third of people aged 40 to 59 have moderate to severe degenerative disc disease. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 1.15 of the Blue Book.
Does Degenerative Disc Disease Qualify for Disability?
Yes, people with degenerative disc disease do qualify, but they need to meet the requirements of the SSA’s guidelines for this disability. If you have symptoms from DDD that greatly reduce your mobility, such as being unable to walk without crutches, you may meet the requirements of medical listing 1.15: Disorders of the skeletal spine resulting in compromise of a nerve root. Below are the additional criteria:
- an inability to walk without assistance, perform fine and gross motor skills with your upper extremities (arms and hands) for motor skills, or a combination of both
- examinations or diagnostic tests showing muscle weakness and nerve irritation, along with evidence of poor sensory responses or reflexes
- medical imaging (such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan) showing disc degeneration that’s affecting a nerve, and
- symptoms of pain, numbness, or fatigue
Qualifying for disability by meeting this listing can be challenging because it requires you to be very limited in what you can do. For example, you won’t qualify under 1.15 if you don’t need an assistive device to move around. That said, you may still qualify without meeting the listing if you can prove that you’re unable to perform your past jobs or any less physically demanding work.
How Do I Apply for Disability Benefits?
To apply for disability benefits, it’s important to understand the disability application process. If you’ve been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
