If you have neck problems that are so severe they limit your ability to work you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Social Security disability benefits were created to help people who have worked but can’t now because of a medical condition that makes it impossible for them to work. Anyone who has earned work credits but now thinks that they won’t be able to work for at least a year because of a medical condition can apply for Social Security disability benefits.
Blue Book Listing For Neck Problems
Neck problems can be debilitating, but in order for the Social Security Administration to approve your application for disability benefits you must be able to prove that your neck problems match one of the listings in the SSA’s Blue Book. You will also need to prove that your condition is so severe it prevents you from working.
There are two different listings in the Blue Book that you could apply for disability benefits under if you have neck problems. One is for arthritis of the neck. The other is for musculoskeletal disorders.
No matter what Blue Book listing you apply for disability benefits under you will have to show that your condition meets the listing requirements and that the symptoms are so severe they limit your ability to work. You will need to submit medical evidence like X-rays, MRIs, a letter of diagnosis from a doctor, treatment notes, and other medical proof of your condition to show the SSA that you meet their requirements.
Proving Your Neck Problem Is Severe Enough for SSD
In order to prove that your neck problem is so severe you can’t work you will have to show that your injury or condition meets one of the requirements for musculoskeletal disorders.
Because there are a lot of variables when it comes to neck injuries and impairments you may have to submit an RFC form so that the Social Security Administration can accurately gauge the severity of your impairment. An RFC form should be filled out by your doctor.
On the RFC form your doctor can describe in great detail what exactly the injury or condition is that is affecting your neck and how it limits your ability to work. For example, if you can’t ride in a car or on public transportation because of the damage to your neck and you’re unable to safely travel to a job then your doctor can write about that in the RFC.
The SSA will look at all of the medical evidence you submit as well as any other supporting documentation when evaluating your application.
Applying for Disability Benefits
Making sure that your application is complete and has the right medical documentation is very important. 2/3 of initial disability claims are dismissed right away either because there are mistakes in the application or because there isn’t enough medical evidence submitted with the application. Talking with a disability attorney before you submit your application may help you avoid a lot of the mistakes that can result in your claim being denied.
Get Help With Your Disability Claim
If you have questions about how to fill out an application for Social Security disability benefits or to help you decide what medical evidence you need to include fill out a Free Case Evaluation now and you can talk with an independent Social Security disability attorney who is subscribed to the website.
