Can I Get Social Security Disability for Scoliosis?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) grants Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to applicants with qualifying disabilities. Some disabilities more or less automatically qualify an applicant for coverage, while other conditions can trigger coverage should the applicant’s condition meet certain thresholds of impairment. Disability benefits turn on an applicant’s inability to work because of their condition.
Read on for an explanation of how the SSA treats scoliosis and how an applicant suffering from scoliosis can apply for benefits. If you have scoliosis or any other debilitating condition and you hope to apply for disability benefits, call a knowledgeable California Social Security Disability benefits attorney at Drake & Drake for advice and assistance.
Scoliosis is Not Listed in the Blue Book
The SSA’s Blue Book lists specific conditions that are considered disabilities for the purposes of obtaining benefits. However, just because the condition is not explicitly listed in the Blue Book does not mean an application will be rejected outright. The SSA will accept evidence that other diagnosed conditions should be considered a disability based on the extent to which the condition impairs the applicant.
The SSA May Grant SSDI for Scoliosis Sufferers
Not all applicants with scoliosis, even diagnosed scoliosis, can obtain SSDI benefits. The applicant must show that their condition is severe enough to qualify under a different listing. The blue book includes listings for severe spinal disorders as well as cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Depending on the nature and severity of your scoliosis, you might qualify under one or more of those listings.
To qualify under the listing for a spinal disorder, for example, you’ll need to show that your condition causes either: (1) nerve root compression, causing pain, weakness, and functional limitations; (2) inflammation of the spinal membrane, causing pain and limiting your ability to sit for a sustained period; or (3) narrowing of the spine, causing chronic pain or weakness and limitations on your ability to walk.
If your scoliosis impacts other bodily functions–such as by compressing your heart or lungs–you might meet one of the other listings. Even if you don’t fully satisfy any one listing, you could still qualify based on the extent of your condition and how severely it impairs your ability to work. You’ll also need to prove that your condition is expected to last and that you’ve earned enough work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits.
Your disability benefits lawyer can help you gather the medical evidence and documentation necessary to prove the severity of your condition. If you are truly unable to work because of your scoliosis, your disability lawyer will fight for you to get you the benefits you deserve.
Call a Dedicated SSI/SSDI Lawyer Today for Help Getting the Disability Benefits You Deserve
For help collecting disability benefits or appealing a disability benefits denial in Southern California or statewide, call the thorough, professional Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income (SSDI/SSI) attorneys of Drake & Drake at 818-914-4055.
