Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Spina Bifida
Spina bifida is a condition that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don’t form properly. It’s a type of neural tube defect. The neural tube is the structure in a developing embryo that later becomes the baby’s brain and spinal cord and the tissues that enclose them. Typically, the neural tube forms early in pregnancy and closes by the 28th day after conception. In babies with spina bifida, a portion of the neural tube doesn’t close all the way. This affects the spinal cord and bones of the spine.
Spina bifida can range from being mild to causing serious disabilities. Symptoms depend on where on the spine the opening is located and how big it is. Symptoms also depend on whether the spinal cord and nerves are involved. When necessary, early treatment for spina bifida involves surgery. However, surgery doesn’t always completely restore lost function. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 1.00 of the Blue Book.
Does Spina Bifida Qualify for Disability?
Very severe symptoms caused by spina bifida may be sufficient for the SSA to award you benefits under the listing of impairments. Listed impairments are conditions that Social Security considers automatically disabling, provided that you have the medical evidence required by the listing.
Spina bifida isn’t a listed impairment, but the SSA can evaluate your symptoms under related listings for affected body systems, such as musculoskeletal or neurological disorders. Some examples include:
- Listing 1.15 for nerve root compression due to a spinal disorder
- Listing 1.16 for spinal canal narrowing that pressures nerves in your lower back,
- Listing 11.08 for spinal cord disorders that restrict use of your extremities or inhibit mental functioning
- Listing 12.05 for intellectual disorder with significant deficits in functioning, and
- Listing 12.11 for neurodevelopmental disorders with serious mental limitations.
Each of these listings requires you to have medical documentation—such as X-rays, MRIs, or cognitive testing—that supports the kinds of functional limitations described in the listings. For example, if you have an MRI showing that a fluid sac is pushing on a nerve causing so much weakness in your legs that you need crutches to walk, you may meet the listing 1.15 criteria for disability. Or if you have an IQ score of 70 and demonstrate an extreme inability to understand instructions, you may meet listing 12.05.
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 spina bifida and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
