Pain or discomfort in the neck can be attributed to damage caused by an injury or condition. Conditions known to cause serious neck problems include meningitis, herniated discs, or pinched nerves.
Symptoms that often accompany neck pain include:
- Aches and pain in the neck, face or shoulders
- Tingling or numbness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Stiffness in the neck or shoulders
Applying for Social Security Disability with Neck Pain and Neck Problems
If an applicant’s symptoms are severe enough to keep him or her from working, they may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Approval for SSD will depend largely on the cause of the applicant’s neck pain and the severity of any resulting limitations.
Although neck pain is not specifically listed in the Social Security Administration (SSA) blue book, many common causes of neck pain are. Here are some of the most common conditions that an applicant with neck pain may qualify under:
- Spinal root compression – Symptoms include limited movement of the spine, muscle weakness, loss of feeling, loss of reflexes, and pain
- Spinal arachnoiditis – Symptoms include severe pain caused by inflammation that can only be relieved by changing positions approximately every 2 hours.
- Joint dysfunction
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
To be approved for Social Security Disability benefits, applicants will need to demonstrate that he or she cannot work due to intense neck pain and limited mobility.
Necessary Medical Evidence for Social Security Disability Benefits
The key to qualifying for disability benefits is providing accurate and comprehensive medical documentation that outlines your condition and symptoms. Documentation may include:
- Summarization of all neck pain related hospitalizations
- Doctors’ notes detailing symptoms and responses to treatment
- Lab test results and medical imaging
- Proof of treatments and the body’s response to those treatments
Hiring a Social Security Disability Attorney
Although neck pain can be serious, it is not always easy to prove. Many people are denied Social Security benefits each year because they are unable to provide evidence proving the extent of their condition. An experienced Social Security Disability attorney will know exactly which documents and exams are needed to be awarded benefits. Not only will a professional be able to simplify the application process, but he or she will increase your chances of receiving disability benefits.
