Functional limitations can be a significant hindrance to an individual’s ability to perform routine tasks and work and earn a living. The symptoms of spinal fusion involve compression of the nerves which leads to muscle weakness, pain, and movement of the legs. The membrane surrounding your spine is inflamed, causing pain or severe burning that makes you need to reposition at least one time every two hours. It can make it challenging to work and earn a living.
Qualifying For Disability Benefits With A Functional Limitation
Using the Blue Book, which is the medical guide, the disability examiner will work to determine if you are unable to work. To qualify for disability per the Blue Book you would need to show that you have one of the following problems – compression of the nerves of the spine resulting in the muscle weakness, pain, and movement of the legs or the membrane surrounding your spine is inflamed, causing pain or severe burning that makes you have to reposition at least once every two hours or a narrowing spinal canal that causes weakness, difficulty walking or pain.
For those who do not meet the Blue Book listings, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has enacted a medical vocational allowance. This approach is specific to you and your job, evaluate you based on your functional limitations and your skills to see if you are able to work or if you are still young enough to learn new skills so you could change to another job. Your work history, transferrable skills, educational background, age, and symptoms are all taken into consideration.
What To Expect When Applying For Social Security Disability With A Medical Vocational Allowance
When you apply for disability benefits using a medical vocational allowance with a spinal fusion, you will need to make sure you have all your documentation and supporting evidence in order. Your physician will need to complete a residual functional capacity (RFC) form. This form will be detailed, explaining what you can and cannot do. As an example, it may indicate that you cannot bend frequently, you cannot lift more than 10 pounds, and you must reposition every hour.
The disability examiner will carefully review your work history and determine if you have any transferrable skills. Also, your age and your educational background will be taken into consideration. Even if it is determined you can do your regular job, the disability examiner must determine if you can perform some other kind of work or be trained for a new job. To be approved for disability benefits, they must determine you cannot work and earn a living performing any kind of work.
Have A Professional On Your Side
If you have undergone a spinal fusion and you are unable to work, you should enlist the help of a disability attorney. With the help of a lawyer, you are much more likely to have your claim approved and be awarded monthly disability benefits. A lawyer will help you gather supporting documentation and make sure your claim forms are completed properly. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to share the details with a disability lawyer in your area.
