DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR BACK PROBLEMS

Back impairments create the largest area of Social Security disability awards.  Undefined "back pain" isn't enough to get a disability check, however.

Social Security will want a medical doctor to find the root cause of back pain.  Generally, this will fall under degenerative disc disease of the spine or joints.  You will need imaging studies, such as X-rays or better yet, an MRI, to show the cause of the pain.

If the imaging study shows a degenerative disease of the spine or joints, then we must consider the severity of the disease and how it limits your ability to perform work-related activities, such as walking,standing, sitting, lifting, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, etc.  To get a disability benefit, you must usually show that (a) you are not able to perform any of your past relevant jobs and (b) there is no other work available in the national economy that you are able to perform.

It is always helpful to have your doctor provide a residual function capacity (RFC) report or a treating source statement.  These statements will specify how severe your limitations are in terms of performing the exertional and postural activities required of work.

Social Security will consider your medical evidence along with your education, age and past relevant work experience to determine whether you meet their rules for disability.  

Here is the bottom line:  If you are found able to perform some type of work that is commonly performed in the US economy, you will probably be found able to work and denied benefits.  On the other hand, if your impairment is judged to be so severe that you cannot perform any full-time work on a "regular and continual basis," you will be approved.  The claimant's age plays a definite part in this determination.

My firm will provide a free case evaluation and determine whether you are likely to meet Social Security's requirements for a disability benefit.  Keep in mind, however, that no one can guarantee how Social Security will rule on a particular claim. 

FORSYTHE FIRM - MORE INFORMATION 

IF WE REPRESENT YOU, WE WILL NEVER ASK YOU FOR MONEY.  IF YOUR CLAIM IS APPROVED AND BACK PAY IS ISSUED, SOCIAL SECURITY WILL PAY US DIRECTLY.