Living with scoliosis can be challenging, especially if your condition is impacting your ability to work. However, there are resources available to help you financially. By understanding the application process for SSDI benefits for scoliosis, and by having a knowledgeable Louisiana disability benefits lawyer on your side, you can increase your chances of receiving the financial assistance you need.
How Can Scoliosis Affect My Ability to Work?
Scoliosis is a medical condition that results in an abnormal curvature of the spine. The condition causes the spine to curve laterally, or side-to-side, either to the left or right. In some cases, scoliosis can also cause the spine to twist and rotate.
Mild scoliosis will not necessarily affect a person's day-to-day life, but severe scoliosis can impact a person's ability to work in several ways.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain caused by scoliosis can drastically affect one’s ability to work in many types of occupations. Pain related to severe scoliosis can be a major distraction, making concentrating and focusing on tasks difficult.
Limited Mobility
The pain from scoliosis can affect the strength and mobility of arms and legs, which may limit physical activity or the range of motion required for certain types of work.
Difficulty Standing or Sitting for Extended Periods
Standing for long periods of time may be difficult due to muscle fatigue and pain, making it hard to perform tasks that involve manual labor or repetitive movements. Sitting for extended periods of time may also be uncomfortable due to back pain, which can make it challenging to focus on tasks that require prolonged concentration.
Fatigue
Pain, lack of mobility, limited range of motion, and stress can all contribute to fatigue. This can make it difficult to concentrate or stay motivated throughout the day, resulting in decreased productivity. Furthermore, chronic fatigue may also limit the time one can spend working, as it may be too tiring to stay focused for long periods.
Am I Eligible for Social Security Benefits for Scoliosis?
Social Security disability insurance benefits provide financial assistance to those who are unable to work due to a severe medical condition. To be eligible for SSDI benefits, you must have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration's definition of disability. This means that your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from performing any substantial gainful activity for at least 12 months.
To prove disability due to scoliosis, you must provide medical evidence demonstrating the severity of your condition. This can include X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and other diagnostic tests. You will also need to provide documentation of any treatments you have received, such as physical therapy or scoliosis surgery.
Your Guide to a Successful Social Security Disability Claim: What Claimants, Their Family Members, and Healthcare Providers Need to Know provides more information about the general criteria for an SSDI claim. We encourage you to request your copy of this free e-book today to learn more about what to expect when you are seeking disability benefits for scoliosis.
How Much Money Can I Receive From Social Security Disability Benefits?
The amount of money you can receive from SSDI benefits for scoliosis depends on several factors, including your work history and the severity of your condition. The Social Security Administration uses a complex formula to calculate benefit amounts, but as of 2023, the average monthly benefit amount for SSDI recipients is $1,483 and the maximum benefit amount is $3,627.
How Can a Louisiana Disability Benefits Lawyer Help Me Deal With the Social Security Administration?
Navigating the SSDI application process can feel overwhelming when you’re dealing with pain and other challenges associated with scoliosis. Having a knowledgeable Louisiana disability benefits lawyer on your side can help ensure your application is handled correctly and increase your chances of receiving the financial assistance you need.
A Social Security lawyer can help you gather the medical evidence necessary to prove disability due to scoliosis and assist with filling out the application forms. Your lawyer can also represent you during the appeals process if needed.
What Happens if My SSDI Application Is Denied?
Unfortunately, SSDI applications are often denied initially. If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process can be lengthy and complex, but having a Louisiana disability benefits lawyer on your side can help increase your chances of success.
Some common reasons for SSDI application denials include incomplete medical records, insufficient medical evidence, and not meeting the work history or income requirements. A disability benefits lawyer can help you address these issues and build a stronger case for receiving benefits when your case appears before an administrative law judge.