Is lumbar disc disease a disability?

Degenerative disc disease by itself is not recognized as a listed disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on nolo.com


Does disc disease qualify for disability?

Degenerative Disc Disease, or DDD, is among the most common impairments for which the Social Security Administration (SSA) receives disability applications. While it is a qualifying disability under certain circumstances, proving your condition meets the SSA's duration and severity level requirements can be difficult.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on disability-benefits-help.org


Can you work with degenerative disc disease?

For people with degenerative disc disease, working can be rough. Sitting for long periods of time at a desk can aggravate your back, as can heavy manual labor. But just because the work day is rough doesn't mean that it's impossible to work with degenerative disc disease. To do it, you need to think about ergonomics.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on spineuniverse.com


What back problems qualifies 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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on disability-benefits-help.org


Is lumbar disease a disability?

Degenerative disc disease is listed as a disability in Section 1.04: Disorders of the Spine. To qualify, you must present evidence of nerve root compression accompanied by pain, limited spinal mobility, motor loss, and sensory or reflex loss.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on disability-benefits-help.org


Degenerative Disc Disease and Social Security Disability Benefits



Can you get disability for lumbar arthritis?

The medical criteria required for arthritis in the back or spine is similar to claims filed for back pain or spinal cord injuries. As long as your medical documentation can prove that your condition has made you unable to work or perform work-related tasks, you may be eligible to file a disability claim.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on dayeslawfirm.com


What stage is severe degenerative disc disease?

Stage 4. The final stage of degenerative disc disease is the most severe and is typically considered irreversible. Discs are at their thinnest or gone altogether. The flexibility of the spine is extremely limited and pain is often considerable.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on tristateclinic.com


Can you get SSDI for degenerative disc disease?

If you are no longer able to work because you have been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, you may be eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA) if you have paid sufficient Social Security taxes which has allowed you to accrue sufficient ...
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on disability-benefits-help.org


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on postierchiro.com


Is degenerative disc disease serious?

Degenerative disc disease isn't actually a disease, but rather a condition in which a damaged disc causes pain. This pain can range from nagging to disabling. The condition can be caused by the drying out of the disc over time, daily activities, sports and injuries.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on cedars-sinai.org


Is degenerative disc disease permanent?

Will DDD go away? Unfortunately, DDD does not go away. Just like aging, once your discs begin to degenerate, you can't reverse the process. However, the pain caused by DDD can be treated.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on treatingpain.com


Can you get disability for chronic back pain?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on getdisability.org


What jobs can I do with degenerative disc disease?

Ideal Jobs for People Suffering from Back Pain
  1. Content writer. Many companies need good writers who can develop content for their blogs, websites, social media accounts and newsletters. ...
  2. Office job. ...
  3. Customer service representative. ...
  4. Tech worker. ...
  5. Accountant. ...
  6. Sales representative. ...
  7. Self-employment. ...
  8. Home school teacher.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on sapnamed.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on nolo.com


What qualifies disability?

The legal definition of disability

They have a physical or mental impairment, and. the impairment has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on the person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. '
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on gmc-uk.org


What are the long term effects of degenerative disc disease?

The degeneration of the bony structure can increase the risk of fractures in the vertebral bones, contributing to overall instability and aging of the spine. Spinal stenosis. A narrowed spinal canal can occur as the discs flatten, stiffen, bulge into the canal, or strain the facet joints.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on spine-health.com


Is degenerative disc disease a form of arthritis?

Yes. The phrase "degenerative changes" in the spine refers to osteoarthritis of the spine. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Doctors may also refer to it as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mayoclinic.org


When is surgery needed for degenerative disc disease?

Surgical treatment is an option in cases of severe, debilitating lumbar degenerative disc disease, and is usually only recommended after at least 6 months of nonsurgical treatment. Most cases of degenerative disc disease can be managed using nonsurgical methods, and do not require surgery for effective pain relief.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on spine-health.com


Does degenerative disc disease show on MRI?

Studies have shown that MRI findings of mild or significant disc degeneration are found on scans of patients with severe pain and minimal or no pain. Additionally, many painful conditions may not show up on an MRI, such as a tear in the disc's outer rings or some cases of herniated discs.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on spine-health.com


Can I get disability for lower back pain?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on rabinsslaw.com


What type of arthritis qualifies for disability?

SSA recognizes inflammatory arthritis could qualify as a disabling disease if it is accompanied by the following findings. Deformity or swelling of an ankle, knee, or hip joint with: At least two of the following symptoms: fever, loss of weight, fatigue, or a general feeling of discomfort.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on benefits.com


How much does disability pay for osteoarthritis?

You could be entitled to $3,345 per month!
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on disability-benefits-help.org


What is the prognosis for degenerative disc disease?

Indeed, over 90% of individuals specifically diagnosed with degenerative disc disease will find that their low back pain and other symptoms go away or subside within three months.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on spine-health.com


What are the 3 most common physical disabilities?

Here are three of the most common physical disabilities we see.
  1. Arthritis and Other Musculoskeletal Disorders. According to the Mayo Clinic, arthritis is inflammation and tenderness in one or more joints. ...
  2. Cerebral Palsy. ...
  3. Spinal Cord Injuries.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on johnfoy.com


Can you live a normal life with DDD?

Can you live a normal life with degenerative disc disease? The answer is yes, even it forces you to be out of work for an extended amount of time. Do not give up. There are many methods of pain relief that you can do at home that can help you live a normal life.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on disability-benefits-help.org