If you have been in an accident that has left you with a spinal cord injury, your life has changed. You may need a wheelchair or other mobility equipment. You may also be able to receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
To qualify, you must prove your injury is so severe that you cannot work and earn a living. The SSA has very strict guidelines and medical criteria. A claimant must meet them to qualify for disability benefits. To be approved for disability benefits, your condition must keep you from working for at least 12 months.
Conditions expected to lead to death also qualify.
Social Security disability after a spinal cord injury
The symptoms are dependent on the severity of the injury and where the spine was injured. Pain and numbness are common symptoms, and other body parts can experience problems.
A mid-spine injury can affect functioning below that injured region. If there is a partial spinal injury, then it is called “incomplete.” A complete spinal injury has complete loss of functioning everywhere below the point of injury.
Incontinence, paralysis, pain, uncontrolled muscle contractions, numbness, inability to regulate body functions, and difficulty breathing are some common symptoms.
Meeting the Medical Criteria
The SSA uses a medical guide called the Blue Book. It determines if a claimant qualifies for disability benefits. Section 1.04 of the Blue Book covers Disorders of the Spine.
To qualify for disability benefits using this listing, you must provide supporting medical evidence. It must show there is damage to your spinal cord. You must provide supporting evidence that your injury causes root compression. Signs include pain, weakness, and trouble walking properly.
Medical imaging, physician statements, and surgical notes and treatment records must present the needed evidence.
Using a Medical-Vocational Allowance
You may not meet the criteria of the Disorders of the Spinal Cord listing. In that case, you may qualify through a medical vocational allowance.
This means your claim will be evaluated using your medical conditions, age, work history, skills, and educational background. The goal is to determine what kind of work, if any, you can do. Medical records will still be needed. A residual functional capacity (RFC) will be completed to determine your restrictions, limitations, and abilities.
Your doctor can complete an RFC that details your abilities and restrictions. It could be helpful to your disability claim. The RFC will be specific. It will indicate how long you can stand, how far you can walk, and how much you can lift.
It also covers whether you can bend, squat, or reach, and your ability to do fine tasks with your hands.
Applying for Disability Benefits
Ready to apply for disability benefits for a spinal cord injury?
Visit the Social Security website or call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative. You can also schedule an appointment at a local SSA field office. Get a free case review with a disability attorney to determine how to proceed.
Resources:
Living Spinal: http://livingspinal.com/
Blue Book Description: https://www.disabilitybenefitscenter.org/glossary/blue-book
Blue Book listing for Spinal Disorder: https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/1.00-Musculoskeletal-Adult.htm#1_04
More on Medical Vocational Allowance: https://www.disabilitybenefitscenter.org/glossary/medical-vocational-allowance
Residual Functional Capacity form:
Local SSA Office: https://www.disabilitybenefitscenter.org/state-social-security-disability
