Does lumbar radiculopathy qualify for disability?

If you have been suffering from lumbar radiculopathy (nerve root compression), you may be eligible for long term disability benefits. Lumbar radiculopathy is a painful and debilitating condition that can cause muscle weakness, loss of mobility, tingling, sensory loss, and decreased reflexes.

Can I work with lumbar radiculopathy?

Radiculopathy Can Impact Your Ability to Work

For example, radiculopathy of the lumbar region can severely limit the amount of time you can stand or sit due to the significant pain in your lower back and legs caused by the impinged nerve roots.

Is lumbar radiculopathy serious?

Sometimes, radiculopathy can be accompanied by myelopathy — compression of the spinal cord itself. Herniated or bulging discs can sometimes press on the spinal cord and on the nerve roots. When the spinal cord is involved, the symptoms can be more severe, including poor coordination, trouble walking and paralysis.

Does chronic radiculopathy qualify for disability?

Severe forms of radiculopathy can cause significant pain and limitations to your functional capacity, such as not being able to stand or sit for long periods. If you reach the point where you can't work, you can apply for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration.

What back problems qualify for disability?

What Back Conditions Qualify for Disability? The spine disorders that qualify for disability include herniated discs, nerve root compression, degenerative disc disease. To get disability with back pack, you must meet one of the back conditions in the SSA's list of impairments that qualify for disability.

Radiculopathy and Social Security Disability

Can lower back pain qualify for disability?

The Social Security Administration has a section on 'Disorders of the Spine' in its Listing of Impairments, which is typically used to determine whether back pain is compensable. In order to be considered a 'disability,' your back pain must involve, among others, one of the following: Herniated discs. Compressed nerves.

Is lower back pain considered a disability?

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, chronic back pain sufferers must prove they have a medically determinable impairment. Additionally, the impairment must last or be expected to last for a minimum of one year.

Can you get disability for a pinched nerve?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that severe nerve root compression can be debilitating, and as a result, the agency has created an official impairment listing in its "Blue Book" of impairments.

Can lumbar radiculopathy get worse?

For some people, these symptoms may be severe and debilitating. For others, symptoms may be infrequent and irritating, but have the potential to get worse.

What is lumbar radiculopathy chronic?

Lumbar radiculopathy is an inflammation of a nerve root in the lower back, which causes symptoms of pain or irritation in the back and down the legs. This condition usually involves the sciatic nerve and therefore is also called sciatica.

Is lumbar radiculopathy acute or chronic?

The most common origin of lumbar radiculopathy is nerve root compression. It commonly results from either disc herniation or spondylosis. A disc herniation can be either due to an acute injury or secondary to chronic degeneration of the spine.

What is l4 l5 radiculopathy?

Lumbosacral radiculopathy is a disorder that causes pain in the lower back and hip which radiates down the back of the thigh into the leg. This damage is caused by compression of the nerve roots which exit the spine, levels L1- S4.

Can lumbar radiculopathy cause leg weakness?

Lumbar radiculopathy refers to disease involving the lumbar spinal nerve root. This can manifest as pain, numbness, or weakness of the buttock and leg.

What should you not do with lumbar radiculopathy?

What does S1 radiculopathy mean?

S1 radiculopathy typically results in numbness down the back of the leg into the outside or bottom of the foot. Weakness is another symptom of nerve root compression. However, it is less common than pain and numbness. This displays as decreased function in the muscles supplied by the nerve root that is compressed.

Does spinal stenosis qualify for long term disability?

If you have severe spinal stenosis and you cannot work, you may be eligible for long-term disability (LTD) benefits.

Is radiculopathy life threatening?

Radiculopathy isn't life threatening, but it can cause problems with daily living. This includes dealing with problems from weakness and lack of sensation. You may find that walking and balance are difficult with lumbar radiculopathy.

What doctor treats radiculopathy?

Although radiculopathy may be suspected or diagnosed by the person's primary care physician, the condition should be treated by an experienced neurosurgeon.

Is radiculopathy chronic?

Our physicians treat patients with all types of radiculopathy, including cervical radiculopathy (in the neck), lumbar radiculopathy (in the lower back) and thoracic radiculopathy (in the upper to mid back) in both chronic and acute forms.

Is chronic nerve pain a disability?

The SSA does not consider chronic pain to be a disability, so there is no listing for it in the SSA's Blue Book. Chronic pain, even if it is severe and disabling, does not qualify unless you can prove it is caused by a verifiable condition that lasts for at least 12 months.

How long does it take to recover from lumbar radiculopathy?

Generally speaking, most patients who undergo radiculopathy treatment will achieve relief within about 6 – 12 weeks, if not sooner. In fact, many patients notice an almost immediate improvement soon after treatment, with their results continuing to improve in the following weeks and months.

Can you get permanent disability for sciatica?

Because most cases of sciatica resolve with time, only people whose sciatica is caused by a chronic disease or permanent injury usually qualify for benefits.

How does back pain limit your ability to work?

Experiencing lower back pain triggers a domino effect. It's painful to the extent that you're unable to move around. It makes you dependent on others, which can be difficult if you're living alone. It typically leads to frustration because, all of a sudden, you can't do the things you normally can.

What is the disability rating for a herniated disc?

VA Disability Ratings for Herniated Discs

20% – Veterans who have had episodes that last for at least 2 weeks, but less than 4 weeks, in the past 12 months, may be able to qualify for this rating. 40% – Having episodes that last for at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks in the past 12 months.

Are herniated discs a disability?

Is Herniated Disc a Permanent Disability? A severe herniated disc can be considered a disability and make you eligible for Social Security disability benefits if it meets the requirements in the Social Security Administration's Blue Book.