Being unable to work at your Michigan job due to a back injury is often extremely stressful and frustrating, especially when a doctor tells you it may take months or years to recover. Depending on the exact nature of your condition, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, which helps cover your living costs until you return to work. The Social Security Administration has strict requirements you must meet to be eligible for SSDI payments. At Adler Firm, PLLC, we understand the SSDI requirements and have helped many clients obtain benefits for back and spinal cord injuries.
One of the most fundamental requirements for an SSDI claim relates to the severity of the injury or illness. In order to qualify for SSDI benefits, your injury or illness must be a long-term condition that a doctor expects to last for at least one year. A terminal condition may also meet SSDI requirements. The SSA has specific definitions that it uses to determine if spinal cord issues meet the eligibility standards for benefits. In many cases, the medical language in your application may fall short of the SSA’s requirements even if the true nature of your condition qualifies for SSDI benefits. Part of your appeal process may include working with your doctor to include the correct language in the application.
There are several different spinal conditions that may meet the SSA’s definition of disability. If you have compressed nerve roots or inadequate motion in your spine, you may qualify for benefits. Another condition the SSA considers disabling is lumbar spinal stenosis that renders you unable to move around. Spinal arachnoiditis could meet the SSA’s definition, depending on how severe the case is.
Spinal cord injuries or illnesses that prevent you from working may make you eligible to receive SSDI benefits. You may find more information about this topic on our website.
