Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common spinal condition that causes severe pain, weakness, and reduced mobility. Many people with DDD continue working with the right treatment and accommodations at work. However, performing basic activities may become difficult with this condition. In this case, sitting or standing for long periods may trigger intense back pain.
If the DDD restrictions limit you to a point where you cannot engage in full-time employment, then you will be eligible for the SSDI benefit. However, these benefits do not come automatically. You must file a claim and prove the impact of the condition on your ability to work.
You could strengthen your case by providing specific details about your disability and limitations. Also, when you are preparing your case, you should know how the SSDI evaluates different types of disabilities. If you are unsure of the right steps to take for your claim, you should consult a seasoned disability lawyer.
An Overview of Degenerative Disc Disease
DDD occurs when the discs between vertebrae become worn. This is because they are responsible for cushioning your spinal cord from shocks and enabling movement. Disc degeneration will make your spine unstable. DDD affects the back and the neck. The following are some of the symptoms of degenerative disc disease:
- Backache or neck pain that persists
- Pain that increases when sitting
- Inability to stand for long periods
- Numbness in arms or legs
- Weakness in muscles
- Reduced mobility
- Pain spreading to the limbs
- Walking difficulties
Some individuals experience mild symptoms, while others may suffer severe limitations. In serious cases of DDD, you may experience severe pain. Such pain can make it challenging to perform simple tasks.
How Sitting and Standing Limitations Affect Employment
Jobs often require workers to remain in the same position for an extended period. Office workers will have to sit through their whole day. Other employees, including retail, health care, and warehouse workers, have to stand for long hours. When the degenerative disc disease makes it difficult for you to both sit and stand, you will have problems with maintaining a job. Common work-related difficulties associated with DDD include:
Inability to Sit for Extended Periods
Many individuals with DDD develop severe pain after sitting for only a short time. The pressure placed on spinal discs while seated can increase discomfort. In this case, workers may need to:
- Frequently change positions
- Stand every few minutes
- Walk around regularly
- Recline during the day
- Use special seating accommodations
Many employers cannot accommodate these limitations. Therefore, remaining in the specific job position with degenerative disc disease becomes challenging.
Inability to Stand for Extended Periods
Standing for a long time may place additional stress on damaged spinal structures. You may experience worsening pain, weakness, or numbness when standing for prolonged periods. This limitation can affect workers in:
Need for Frequent Breaks
Many people with advanced DDD require frequent breaks throughout the day. During breaks, you can stretch or change your working position. At each workplace, there is a specific number of allowed breaks for each employee. Taking excessive breaks can interfere with your productivity and job performance.
SSDI Eligibility Requirements
SSDI provides monthly benefits to workers who can no longer work due to a medical condition like DDD. The program is funded through Social Security taxes. To qualify for SSDI, you must meet the following requirements:
Sufficient Work Credits
SSDI is not a needs-based program. Instead, your eligibility for the benefits depends on your work history. Workers earn credits by paying Social Security taxes through their employment. Most adults must have worked long enough and recently enough to qualify for these benefits. The exact number of credits you need depends on your age when the disability began.
You may not qualify for SSDI if you have a limited work history. If you do not qualify for these benefits, you can explore other forms of disability benefits.
Medical Disability Requirement
The SSA must determine that your medical condition prevents substantial work activity. The condition:
- Prevents you from performing full-time work.
- Prevents you from adjusting to other types of work.
- It is expected to last at least 12 months.
- It is expected to result in long-term disability.
A short-term injury generally will not qualify for SSDI benefits. If you have degenerative disc disease, the SSA may look into your functional disability. The agency seeks to establish a relationship between the condition and your ability to perform everyday work activities.
You must present medical evidence to support your limitations when seeking the benefits. The stronger the evidence, the stronger the disability claim. Diagnosing degenerative disc disease is usually not enough. You must show that the condition prevents you from sustaining employment.
How the SSA Evaluates Degenerative Disc Disease
The SSA will use a five-step process in assessing your claim. It is important to note that the SSA does not grant approval based solely on your diagnosis. The SSA assesses how your medical condition affects your work capacity. The evaluation process includes:
Determining Current Work Activity
As the first step, the SSA looks at whether you are currently working. However, in case you earn above the considerable gainful activity limit, the SSA is entitled to deny your claim regardless of the nature of your medical condition. The SSA will be concerned about your ability to undertake productive activities and generate a steady source of income.
Severe Impairment
After establishing your current work activity, the SSA determines the severity of your condition. Your degenerative disc disease must limit your ability to perform basic work activities. These activities may include:
- Sitting
- Standing
- Walking
- Bending
Your medical records must show that your symptoms have more than a minor impact on your work capacity.
Medical Listings
The SSA determines whether your impairment is similar to one of its listed impairments. Certain spinal problems may be considered based on evidence of serious associated problems. The SSA considers records like:
- MRI results
- CT scans
- Physical examination findings
- Specialist reports
If your condition meets a listing, the SSA can approve your claim without proceeding with other steps.
Past Relevant Work
If your condition does not meet a listing, the SSA will evaluate whether you can perform any of your past jobs. The agency compares your current limitations to the physical and mental demands of your previous work.
Other Available Work
The SSA determines whether you can perform any other work that exists in the national economy. When determining other available work, the SSA will consider the following factors:
- Your age
- Your education
- Your job skills
- Your work history
- Your physical limitations
If your inability to maintain a regular work schedule prevents you from performing available jobs, the SSA may approve your SSDI claim.
Medical Evidence Required for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
The evidence of your treatment for degenerative disc disease will be the basis of your disability claim. The SSA can rely on objective medical findings and your treatment records. These forms of evidence that the agency can consider include:
Results from an MRI Scan
An MRI scan provides objective proof of the degeneration of your spine. An MRI scan can show:
- Disc degeneration
- Disc herniation
- Pressure on nerves
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
These results can help substantiate your claims.
Physical Examination Findings
Healthcare providers document the following findings for use in your claim:
- Limited range of motion
- Positive straight-leg raise tests
- Muscle weakness
- Sensory deficits
- Reflex abnormalities
These findings can help establish the severity of your condition.
Treatment Records
Having consistent treatment records will help show that your condition is persistent and serious. Appropriate treatment records would include:
- Orthopedic assessment
- Neurology consultations
- Pain management treatment
- Physical therapy
- Consultations for surgery
Treatment records may help strengthen your claim.
Common Treatments Considered by the SSA
In assessing any claim regarding your disability, the SSA will take into account your past treatments. Regular treatment helps establish that your disability is indeed severe and ongoing. In addition, regular treatment can indicate your effort in functioning better. Common forms of treatment that the SSA can consider include:
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is one of the initial steps suggested by doctors to treat degenerative disc disease. You can undergo physical therapy sessions with a physical therapist, who will help you build muscle strength and restore your functionality. It is necessary to provide proof to show that you have undergone the required physical therapy session.
Epidural Steroid Injections
Sometimes, doctors recommend steroid injections to reduce inflammation around irritated nerves. These injections may provide temporary pain relief. However, many people continue to experience significant symptoms even after receiving them. If other treatment methods fail to give adequate relief from the symptoms experienced, you may need to undergo surgical operations that include the following:
- Spinal Fusion
- Discectomy
- Laminectomy
The Social Security Administration will check your medical records before allowing your claim.
Common Reasons SSDI Claims Are Denied
Many SSDI applications are denied during the initial review process. A denial does not always mean you are not disabled. Often, the SSA denies your claim when there is not enough evidence to support it. Common reasons why your claim could be denied include:
Insufficient Medical Evidence
A frequent cause for denial of your claim is insufficient medical documentation. Medical documentation is very important when evaluating your claim at SSA. It is necessary to prove that the condition is severe. It is also necessary to prove that the condition affects your ability to work. The agency can claim insufficient evidence if your documents are unclear or if important records are missing.
The SSA cannot approve your claim based only on your statements about pain or limitations. You must have the medical records to support your claims. If you have degenerative disc disease, you may need records such as:
- MRI results
- Specialist evaluations
- Physical examination
Limited Treatment History
A limited treatment history can make it harder to prove your claim. The SSA expects you to seek regular medical care for a serious condition. The SSI may deny your claim if your condition is not severe. Factors that can show a lack of severity of your condition include the following:
- Intervals between your appointments
- No follow-up appointments
- Not consulting any specialist
- Rare treatment for pain
Regular treatment creates a clear record of your symptoms and limitations. Also, it shows that your condition persists despite ongoing medical care.
Failure to Follow Treatment
The SSA may review whether you followed reasonable medical advice before approving your claim. According to the SSA, you must take any measures that the doctor recommends to improve your condition. These include:
- Attending physical therapy sessions
- Taking prescribed medications as advised
- Following post-surgical instructions
- Participating in recommended evaluations
Sometimes, there may be legitimate reasons why you could not follow treatment. These include:
- Lack of insurance coverage
- Inability to afford treatment
- You experience serious side effects from the treatment.
If you are in any of these predicaments, you should present relevant medical records to explain the circumstances.
Incomplete Documentation of Limitations
A diagnosis alone is not enough to qualify you for SSDI benefits. The SSA focuses on how your condition affects your ability to work. Many claims are denied because the records describe the medical condition but fail to explain the resulting limitations. Common limitations that you can use to prove disability include:
- Inability to sit or stand for long periods.
- Difficulty walking
- Inability to lift a significant weight
If you do not document these restrictions, the SSA can deny your claim.
Find a Disability Lawyer Near Me
Degenerative disc disorder can result in severe pain, numbness, and limited mobility. These conditions can make even simple tasks more difficult. Spinal issues can make it difficult to sit or stand for long periods, which can make it hard to maintain a job.
SSDI benefits can offer the financial support you need when degenerative disc disease produces disabling symptoms. You will need more than a diagnosis for DDD to receive SSDI benefits. When building your claim, you can prepare evidence of consistent treatment records, imaging studies, and physician opinions. The evidence helps demonstrate the impact of your condition on your functional abilities.
With proper documentation and preparation, you can improve their chances of securing the SSDI benefits. Navigating your SSDI claim can be challenging. Therefore, you will need the expert legal insight we offer at Leland Law. Call us at 866-449-6476 from any location in California to discuss your claim.
