Is Spinal Stenosis a Permanent Disability?

Submitted by rsg on

Spinal stenosis is a serious condition that can cause debilitating pain as well as mobility issues. If spinal stenosis is untreated, it can progress and lead to permanent spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis can cause severe disabilities because it leads to weakness, numbness, and balance difficulties. Here is a closer look at spinal stenosis.

Is Spinal Stenosis a Disability?

Spinal stenosis is a condition one might develop if the space around the spinal cord is excessively narrow. Although some individuals with spinal stenosis experience no symptoms whatsoever, others may experience such symptoms as:

  • Pain in the legs.
  • Back pain.
  • Numbness in various parts of the body.
  • Tingling/weakness in the limbs or extremities.
  • Balance and walking issues.
  • Neck pain.
  • Bladder or bowel difficulties.

If you have a relatively severe case of spinal stenosis, your condition may interfere with your ability to perform work-related tasks. You might thus qualify for disability benefits through the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) if you are unable to work and earn an income.

Is spinal stenosis a disability according to the SSA? Potentially. To qualify for disability benefits, which can help you cover the cost of such basic needs as housing and food, you need to demonstrate that your case of spinal stenosis is severe enough to match the description in a relevant Blue Book listing. The Blue Book is the SSA’s resource describing the conditions that may qualify applicants for Social Security disability benefits.

Section 1.00 for Musculoskeletal Disorders is the chapter of the Blue Book that may apply when an individual seeking benefits has spinal stenosis. For spinal stenosis to qualify as a disability, you must show that your condition causes pain or weakness severe enough to require the use of a walking device involving the use of both arms, or that your symptoms are severe enough to prevent you from walking at a reasonable pace on uneven ground.

You will have to provide sufficient medical evidence to show your case of spinal stenosis qualifies as a disability when submitting an application for benefits. An attorney may assist you in gathering said evidence and documentation.

Are There Treatments for Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis can cause several severe symptoms. More common symptoms include:

  • Numbness
  • Weakness
  • Balance problems
  • Incontinence
  • Paralysis

There are different treatments available for spinal stenosis. Your physician will determine which treatment is best suited for your specific condition and symptoms. Some treatment options include:

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Nerve pain medication
  • Physical exercise
  • Physical therapy
  • Surgery

If you are unable to perform routine daily tasks or if you cannot work and earn a living because of spinal stenosis, you should seek medical care. When you apply for disability benefits, you will need supporting medical evidence.

A doctor will also need to help you with your claim by backing up your claim and confirming the severity of your disability. You will need copies of medical records, including imaging reports that confirm the diagnosis.

Receiving Disability Benefits for Spinal Stenosis

It is possible to have a successful disability claim and be approved for disability benefits if you suffer from spinal stenosis. The Blue Book, which is the medical guide used by the SSA for disability claims, has a listing for spinal stenosis.

Such claims are evaluated under Section 1.00 for Musculoskeletal Disorders, which are disorders of the skeletal spine resulting in a compromise of a nerve root. Listing 1.16 is for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis resulting in compromise of the cauda equina.

To qualify per the Blue Book listing, you must show that you have a diagnosis of spinal stenosis and that the condition cause chronic pain and weakness that does not radiate from a nerve and that seriously interferes with your ability to walk and requires the use of a walking device requiring the use of both arms, or that causes the inability to walk at a reasonable pace or while on terrain that is not even.

Most claims are denied on the initial review, but you should appeal that decision before the deadline so your claim can advance to the next level. Most claims are approved at the hearing level, where an administrative law judge will hear testimony regarding your condition, its restrictions and limitations, and other details about your disability to work because of spinal stenosis.

Get Help Today

If you are unable to work because of spinal stenosis and you are getting ready to apply for Social Security Disability benefits, or if you are ready to appeal a claim denial, you should complete a Free Case Evaluation Form. A disability attorney may be familiar with the applicable laws and can help you gather supporting evidence and prepare for a hearing.

Claimants represented by disability lawyers may be likely to have their claim approved and be awarded disability benefits. Fill out the Free Case Evaluation today to get in touch with an independent, participating attorney who subscribes to the website.

Additional Resources

Get My Free Evaluation