Initially it feels like a nagging injury, but eventually the gradual narrowing of your spine has morphed into an extremely painful ailment that prevents you from working at a full-time job.
Lumbar stenosis compresses the nerves that move through the lower back and into both legs. Although the ailment can prevent younger people from working, it is typically an affliction associated with older workers.
Dealing with lumbar stenosis means you might qualify to receive benefits under a longstanding Social Security Administration (SSA) program.
To learn more about the helpful program, you seek advice from a state licensed disability attorney who specializes in helping clients navigate the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application process.
Overview of SSDI
The SSA determines SSDI eligibility by reviewing the cause for an applicant to miss time at work, as well as the length of time an applicant had remained out of a job.
SSA eligibility criteria for determining SSDI eligibility applies only to applicants. This means it does not matter whether a spouse continues to work. It is just the income you lost because of a crippling ailment such as lumbar stenosis.
Although children are not the primary recipients of SSDI benefits, more than 200,000 Americans younger the 25 years old receive some type of SSDI benefits.
The SSA approves benefits for children that live with a parent that has one or more qualifying disabilities. Child benefits are awarded to help mitigate the cost of raising a child when a parent cannot work because of a debilitating illness or physical ailment.
Blue Book Defines Eligibility for SSDI Benefits
SSA guidelines for establishing SSDI eligibility benefits start with a resource called the Blue Book. Divided into 14 sections for adults, the SSA Blue Book defines the major areas of the body covering specific medical conditions that qualify for SSDI benefits.
For example, lumbar stenosis falls under the Blue Book medical condition category called Musculoskeletal.
Since every illness and injury carries with it a wide variety of symptoms, the Blue Book establishes the minimum requirements for each medical condition to achieve the status of an approved illness or a physical ailment.
Each medical condition must follow the guidelines set by clinical trials and laboratory tests.
Know the SSDI Benefits Application Process
Time is of the essence when applying for SSDI benefits. The longer you wait to send in an application, the more serious your financial situation can become.
You must submit a 100% accurate SSDI benefits application that includes a detailed account of your physical issues, as well as evidence that you missed a significant amount of time at work, and that the missed time has placed an incredible strain on your personal finances.
Applying for SSDI Benefits
You have three ways to apply for SSDI benefits. The SSA accepts SSDI applications submitted through the United States Postal Service (USPS).
However, the slight chance of an error in processing your handwritten application should make you consider filing an SSDI application either in person at an SSA office or online by sending in a digital application. With an online application, you receive instant notification the SSA received your application.
A state licensed disability attorney can help you submit the most persuasive SSDI application. You attorney will recommend where you should go to receive a valid medical evaluation, as well ensure you meet every deadline required by the SSDI application process.
