Functional limitations are a significant hindrance to an individual’s ability to work or perform routine daily tasks. The symptoms of degenerative disc disease (DDD) can include pain worsening when sitting, pain that worsens while bending or lifting, and feeling better when walking compared to standing or sitting for extended time. DDD can make working impossible, especially if you must lift, bend, or stand for extended periods. You may qualify for disability benefits if your DDD has made it impossible for you to work and earn a living.
Qualifying For Disability Benefits With A Functional Limitation
The Blue Book is the medical guide used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine if an individual qualifies for disability benefits. To qualify for disability with DDD per the Blue Book listing, your condition must cause nerve root compression, spinal arachnoiditis, or lumbar spinal stenosis and your medical records must support your claim and show that is indeed the case.
If you do not meet the listing of the Blue Book, you can still qualify through a medical vocational allowance. When you use a medical vocational allowance, it is specific to you and your job, and the disability examiner will evaluate your claim based on your functional limitations and your skills to see if you are able to work or if you are young enough to learn new skills so you can start another job.
What To Expect When Applying For SSD With A Medical Vocational Allowance
When applying for disability benefits using a medical vocational allowance, the disability examiner will review it in relation to you and your job. Your claim will be evaluated based on your functional limitations and your skills to see if you are able to work or young enough to be trained for another job.
You will need to meet the residual functional capacity test, so your doctor will need to complete a residual functional capacity (RFC) form, which will detail what you can and cannot do. It will indicate how long you can stand without repositioning, how much you can lift, if you can bend or squat, and so forth.
Your medical history and work history will be reviewed. The disability examiner needs to know how long your condition will last, how long you have suffered from the condition, the severity of your symptoms, and if you have transferrable skills that you could use for another job. The disability examiner needs to know if you can perform another job even if you can no longer do your current job.
Have A Professional On Your Side
Disability claims can be challenging, and with the guidance of an attorney your likelihood of having your claim approved can increase greatly. Gather all the documentation, work history, and medical records that you can that will support your claim. The more evidence and documentation that you have that can support your claim, the more likely you are to prevail and get your claim approved. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form to share your details with a disability attorney.
