Are you suffering from back pain? Back pain is one of the most common medical conditions in the United States. It’s also one of the leading causes of lost productivity and missed work days. In fact, it is estimated that back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide.
Many people who suffer from back pain are able to live normal, active lives. However, many others struggle with severe immobility. If you’re constantly fighting pain, stiffness, and other symptoms caused by a back injury or illness, you may struggle to maintain gainful employment. This can leave you unable to pay your bills and medical expenses.
Living with chronic back pain is both exhausting and stressful. If you’re worried about where your next paycheck is going to come from because you’re unable to work, you may be eligible for disability benefits.
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits is a complicated, time-consuming process. When you need a North Dakota disability lawyer on your side who will fight for your rights, contact Ficek Law, P.C. Our Attorney Anton G. Ficek is highly experienced in Social Security Disability Law and fully understands how the Social Security Administration (SSA) assesses claims. When it comes to filing for SSI or SSDI for back pain, Ficek Law, P.C. is here for you.
Why it’s Important to Receive Social Security Disability for Chronic Back Pain & Back Injuries
The prevalence of back pain costs the U.S. an estimated $250 billion annually in health-related economic drain. This estimate includes indirect costs like reduced productivity as well as immediate medical expenses.
It’s easy to understand how significantly a chronic back condition could impact the average individual. Chronic pain is identified when symptoms such as aching, sharp pain, burning, numbness, or tingling persist at any spinal level for 3 months or longer. Emotional distress often accompanies these conditions.
Physical pain can easily manifest as fatigue, insomnia, anger, anxiety, depression, and potentially lead to full or partial disability. Documenting all symptoms is crucial when seeking Social Security Disability for back pain.
Eligibility for Disability Benefits
Securing Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for a back injury requires proving to the SSA that you have a medically verifiable impairment. Your condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Claimants must also demonstrate functional limitations that prevent them from performing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
The Social Security Administration’s guidelines in the Blue Book detail the symptoms needed for qualifying conditions, including various spinal disorders. Qualifying disabilities may include degenerative disc disease, spondylitis, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, among others. Successful claims need to substantiate the condition and the specific symptoms as per the Blue Book criteria.
Back Pain Treatment & the Importance of Medical Evidence
Chronic back pain can be resistant to various treatments, as well as surgery. Conditions like failed fusion syndrome can leave individuals in relentless pain, impeding normal work and life activities. Beyond medical treatment, individuals often require additional support.
Social Security Disability for back pain and back injuries offers crucial assistance to disabled individuals. However, the process to secure these benefits can be arduous, especially given the subjective nature of pain assessment. This is why it’s crucial to include medical evidence that supports your claim when filing for benefits.
Before applying for Social Security Disability for a back injury or pain, you should consult a medical professional specializing in these types of conditions. Not only can treatment potentially offer some pain relief, but you’ll also need documented evaluations in order to apply for SSI or SSDI.
The SSA will want to see substantial medical evidence supporting your claim, including diagnostic imaging results, to determine the severity and specifics of your back injury.
It’s also essential to demonstrate how your back pain affects your work capabilities and daily life. Your application should contain detailed notes from your doctor about your mobility limitations. These notes must specify if you require aids like a cane, walker, or crutches for movement. Such information is highly influential in the SSA’s decision-making process for disability claims.
Moreover, it’s beneficial to include a thorough list of all medical professionals involved in your back pain treatment. This list should encompass the names and contact details of hospitals, therapists, and caseworkers you’ve consulted, along with a chronological record of your appointments. This comprehensive approach ensures the SSA has a full view of your medical journey and the impact of your condition.
Contact Ficek Law, P.C. to Seek SSI & SSDI for Back Injury
Consulting with a qualified lawyer can significantly enhance the chances of obtaining disability for back problems. Our legal team can help you navigate the Social Security System and the strict guidelines for disability applications.
If you’re in need of SSDI or SSI for a back injury, seeking professional legal advice can be a decisive step toward securing the support and benefits you deserve. It’s not just about medical recovery; it’s about regaining quality of life.
Contact Ficek Law, P.C. today to schedule a free consultation. Our attorney is ready to help you fight for your right to financial support.
