If you suffer from back and neck pain, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, however, your pain must be severe enough to prevent you from working. The best way to obtain the benefits you need and deserve is to consult with an experienced Fort Worth disability attorney.
At the Law Office of Carey Thompson, PC, we regularly handle disability claims and appeals in Dallas-Fort Worth and throughout Texas. We know how debilitating back and neck pain can be and understand the challenges of obtaining disability benefits. To qualify, the Social Security Administration (SSA) must determine that your condition qualifies as a disability.
Once you become our client, we will guide you through all phases of the disability claims process and make sure your rights are protected. Contact our Fort Worth office today for a free consultation.
Can I Get Disability Benefits for My Back and Neck Pain in Fort Worth?
Back and neck pain may be the result of an accident or medical condition. Examples of back and neck problems that may qualify for disability benefits include:
- Degenerative disc disorder
- Arachnoiditis
- Spondylitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Herniated discs
- Nerve root compression
- Scoliosis
- Spinal stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
In spite of the fact that back and neck pain can be agonizing, obtaining benefits is challenging. To qualify, you must be diagnosed with a medical condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least one year. Also, your claim must be supported by medical evidence showing that your back and neck pain is caused by an abnormality of the spine or spinal canal.
Medical Qualifications For Back and Pain
The SSA’s Blue Book is intended to be a guide for disability examiners to determine whether or not an individual meets the criteria to be considered disabled. While there are no listings for back and neck pain, there are listings for specific conditions that cause back and neck pain.
For example, degenerative disc disease does not have a specific listing. If your condition has caused other physical ailments that are so severe that you require assistance to walk and you will be unable to work for at least 12 months, then the SSA will consider you disabled and you will qualify for disability benefits.
In addition, many back and neck problems can be classified as spinal disorders that are included in SSA’s listing, such as:
- Lumbar spinal stenosis can cause pain in the thighs and lower extremities, making it difficult to walk or stand for an extended period of time
- Spinal arachnoiditis can result in burning sensations and pain, muscle cramps, spasms, and uncontrollable twitching
- Nerve compression can cause significant loss of reflexes and range of motion
Regardless of the cause of your back and neck pain, you must provide evidence that shows how it impacts your ability to walk and limits your daily activities, such as walking, standing, lifting, and bending. Medical tests that can help to prove your claim include:
- X-rays
- MRIs
- CT scans
- Reflex tests
- Straight leg raise test
Your claim should also include any doctor’s notes, prescriptions, letters from past employers about your ability to work, and any other relevant medical evidence that shows how your back and neck pain limits your mobility. Finally, the SSA may require you to undergo a consultative exam with an independent physician to confirm your condition and the severity of your symptoms.
Medical-Vocational Allowance for Back and Neck Pain
If your condition does not meet a listing in the Blue Book, you may still qualify for disability benefits under a medical-vocational allowance. The SSA will consider your age, education level, work experience, and transferable skills to determine your residual functioning capacity (RFC). In short, your RFC is an assessment that details various limitations you might have as a result of your back and neck pain.
The SSA will then determine if you have the skills to do another kind of work or transfer to a position in another field. If the SSA determines that you are unable to work at any job for at least a year, however, you will be considered disabled and eligible for benefits.
Why You Need a Fort Worth Disability Attorney
Because obtaining disability benefits is challenging, and because the majority of initial claims are denied, it is wise to work with a capable disability attorney. You can trust our legal team to assist with:
- Filing your disability benefits application
- Compiling the necessary medical evidence
- Handling all communications with the SSA
- Filing a disability appeal if your claim is denied
- Representing you at your disability hearing
We know the ins and outs of the Social Security system and will help you navigate the process. Above all, we will provide you with compassionate representation and fight for the benefits you need and deserve.
Contact Our Experienced Texas Disability Lawyers in Fort Worth
At the Law Office of Carey Thompson, we have a well-earned reputation as dedicated advocates who provide our clients with caring personal service. Our attorneys are here to help you get the disability you deserve for your back and neck pain so that you can recover your strength and sense of purpose. Contact us today so we can start working on your claim.