People who suffer from Spinal Arachnoiditis can experience severe symptoms that may never go away. These symptoms can interfere with an individual's quality of life, making it impossible to work. The inability to work, combined with the suffering caused by the Spinal Arachnoiditis condition, can prove to be unbearable. Fortunately, Social Security Disability benefits can help an individual suffering from Spinal Arachnoiditis make ends meet and cover basic living expenses. If you suffer from Spinal Arachnoiditis and wonder whether or not you may be entitled to disability benefits, the following information can help you understand what to expect when making a Social Security Disability claim.
Spinal Arachnoiditis - Conditions and Symptoms
Spinal Arachnoiditis, also known as spinal fibrosis, causes chronic inflammation of the two innermost layers of the membrane surrounding the spinal cord. This inflammation can lead to irritation, scarring and damage to the spine's nerve roots and blood vessels. The condition can be caused by a variety of factors including an injury, a spinal sac hemorrhage, nerve compression, certain medical dyes and some illnesses.
People who suffer from Spinal Arachnoiditis experience varying degrees of symptoms. Oftentimes an individual will experience intense stinging and a burning sensation. Numbness of the hands and feet are also common in patients living with Spinal Arachnoiditis. In some cases, Spinal Arachnoiditis can even cause sexual dysfunction, muscle cramps, twitching and spasms and even loss of limb control. If left untreated, these symptoms can become worse. In some cases the symptoms of Spinal Arachnoiditis will progress to the point of being permanent.
Spinal Arachnoiditis is not curable, although symptoms can be treated. The purpose of Spinal Arachnoiditis is to reduce the pain that a patient experiences. This is done with pain medications, physical therapy and electric spinal stimulation. Surgery is not usually an option for patients suffering from Spinal Arachnoiditis due to the fact that the scarring can cause added trauma to the nerve tissue that has already been damaged, making the condition worse instead of better.
If you suffer from Spinal Arachnoiditis you will need a pathology report or an operative note diagnosing the condition in order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. You will also want to make sure that your doctor is keeping detailed records on your condition and how the disability prevents you from being able to work on a regular basis. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will use this information when making a determination on your Social Security Disability case.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Spinal Arachnoiditis
Spinal Arachnoiditis is included in the Social Security Disability Listing of Impairments. The SSA uses these listings to help qualify or disqualify an individual for Social Security Disability benefits.
Spinal Arachnoiditis is listed under Section 1.04 (Disorders of the Spine) of these Listings. It is important to understand, however, that a diagnosis of Spinal Arachnoiditis will not, in and of itself, be enough to qualify you for Social disability benefits.
If your Spinal Arachnoiditis condition is preventing you from being able to work you will need to prove this fact to the SSA when applying for Social Security Disability benefits. You will want to provide sufficient medical evidence to validate your Social Security Disability claim and ensure that there is enough documentation to prove that your disability is indeed interfering with your ability to work. Records regarding time missed from work due to the disability and how the condition has affected your quality of life will help substantiate your Social Security Disability application.
Spinal Arachnoiditis and Your Social Security Disability Case
If you suffer from Spinal Arachnoiditis and the condition is severe enough that it has interfered with your ability to earn a living, you may wish to apply for disability benefits. To do this you will need to fill out an application online, over the phone or by visiting your local Social Security office.
It will take approximately 90 to 120 days for the SSA to approve or deny your initial Social Security Disability applications. It is important to remember that only 30 percent of the initial applications received by the SSA are approved. If your claim for Social Security Disability benefits is denied, for any reason, you may file an appeal within 60 days.
Spinal Arachnoiditis cases can be hard to prove. It is not uncommon for a person suffering from the condition to be turned down at the initial level of the Social Security Disability claim process. Fortunately, many people have gone on to successfully appeal a denied disability claim for Spinal Arachnoiditis. Those who retain the services of a qualified disability advocate may increase their chances of filing successful disability claim.
