Almost everyone suffers from low back pain at some point in their lives. However, we often ignore the fact that it can take the shape of a serious physical impairment. If you or a loved one is unable to work due to low back pain, Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits may offer some much-needed relief.
However, the SSD benefits application process is extremely complicated and overly difficult. The Social Security Administration (SSA) denies Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to more than two-thirds of all applicants. Therefore, contacting a low back pain disability benefits lawyer may be of significant help. At The Keener Law Firm, we offer assistance in drafting the initial application for benefits or appealing a denial of claim through all levels of the disability appeals process.
The following are some of the common causes of low back pain disability benefits claims:
Persistent low back pain may be caused by the disks separating the vertebrae of the spine. The disks are composed of cartilage and ensure that vertebrae do not make bone-on-bone contact. Different injuries may be caused to these disks that turn into seriously disabling conditions. A bulging disk may occur when a disk protrudes outward and causes painful nerve irritation. On the other hand, a herniated disk occurs because of a complete layer of the outer layer of a disk that otherwise compresses or irritates the nerve.
The SSA maintains a Listing of Impairments (also called the “Blue Book”) containing physical and mental impairments which are considered severe enough to meet the definition or the criteria of disability used by the federal agency to determine if a claimant is disabled. The listing is comprehensive and covers all body systems including musculoskeletal spinal disorders. In all probability, your low back pain disability will also be covered by the Listing of Impairments maintained by the Social Security Administration.
However, if your disability does not fall within the Blue Book Listing of Impairments or does not equal a listing impairment, it does not mean that you cannot prove your disability and qualify for disability benefits that you need and deserve. An SSDI or SSI benefits lawyer at The Keener Law Firm can work with you and your doctors to decide if your disability equals a listing, or even if you do not meet the listing criteria, whether an assessment of your Residual Functional Capacity (or RFC) entitles you to the benefits you deserve.
If low back pain renders you unable to work, you can improve your chances of winning low back pain disability benefits by contacting an SSD benefits lawyer who understands how to prove that you meet the SSA criteria and requirements. Contact The Keener Law Firm today for a free consultation and claim review.