There is a listing under the rules of Social Security Disability entitled Disorders of the Spine. In terms that we all use more frequently this would be a back injury, and or back problems, things like back surgery, having screws, pins, plates or cages attached to the spine would fall under this category. It includes problems with the back that have arisen over your life time like herniated disc, arthritis, fractures, nerve root problems and spinal stenosis. Social Security Disability combines these problems, (whichever one you may fall under) and under the listing requires one of the additional following things:
A. Evidence of nerve root compression characterized by neuro-anatomic distribution of pain, limitation of motion of the spine, motor loss (atrophy with associated muscle weakness or muscle weakness) accompanied by sensory or reflex loss and if there is involvement of the lower back, positive straight leg raising test OR
B. Spinal arachnoiditis confirmed by an operative note or pathology report of tissue biopsy or by appropriate medically acceptable imaging, manifested by sever burning or painful dysesthesia, resulting in the need for changes in position or posture more than once every 2 hours OR
C. Lumbar spinal stenosis resulting in pseudoclaudication established by findings on appropriate medically acceptable imaging manifested by chronic nonradicular pain and weakness, and resulting in inability to ambulate effectively.
A back injury or back problems are severely disabling, many people who work jobs that require lifting and carrying can no longer perform their tasks at work. Should you need assistance with your claim for Social Security Disability please give my law office a call toll free (877) 271-2633 or local at (615) 308-2633. I am not just an advocate, I am your attorney.
Daniel L. McMurtry, Esq.