Anyone who has ever experienced back pain know how debilitating it can be, but it is one of the qualifying conditions for SSD. If you are seeking Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, you will have to put substantial effort into proving your back pain prevents you from working.
A Richmond back pain SSD lawyer at Harbison & Kavanagh can help you build a robust case for claim approval. Our attorneys devote their careers to helping disabled workers obtain the benefits they have earned, and we will advocate for your rights through every step of the process.
How Social Security Disability Works
SSD is a federal disability insurance program. For every quarter you work during the year, you earn one Social Security credit. You need a minimum number of credits to apply for SSDI and the number required varies depending on your age. The amount you receive if you become disabled depends on your work history and income. If applying for SSI, work credits are not part of the calculation.
In addition to having the required number of credits, you must also prove you have a medical condition that prevents you from working at your job for at least 12 months, or will result in death. If you believe your back pain qualifies you for SSD benefits, speak with one of our Richmond attorneys for help preparing your application.
Does Back Pain Impact Your Functioning?
When your back pain is intermittent or you can work through it most days, you are unlikely to qualify for SSD benefits. You must be able to demonstrate that your condition consistently prevents you from doing tasks necessary to perform your job to qualify for SSD.
If your job involves dynamic movement or lifting, your back condition may prevent you from executing the necessary movement. If you are an office worker, sitting or standing for extended periods may not be possible for you. Chronic pain can lead to depression and cause pain-related brain fog, so your back pain may prevent you from working even if you have a job that does not involve significant body movement.
Our attorneys in Richmond will work with you to document how your SSD-eligible back pain interferes with your ability to complete the tasks required for your work.
Building a Robust Record of Your Back Pain
To receive SSD benefits, you must present evidence proving that you have the condition you claim and that it limits your functioning to the extent that you cannot work. You will need objective evidence like x-rays, MRIs, or CT scans supporting a diagnosis such as spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or herniated disc. Your doctor should provide a narrative explanation of your condition, including any restrictions and limitations.
The effects of back pain can vary and be challenging to quantify. The Social Security Administration may deny your claim if you do not submit substantial documentation demonstrating your limitations. Our Richmond SSD attorneys may suggest you undergo a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) to provide additional information about how your back pain affects you and your ability to work.
Contact Our Richmond Attorneys to Apply for SSD If Back Pain Prevents You Working
If you cannot work due to chronic pain, you may experience financial hardship if your SSD benefits are denied. Accessing disability benefits for chronic pain is challenging, but our Richmond back pain SSD lawyers can help. At Harbison & Kavanaugh, we can help you prepare a persuasive initial application, aggressively appeal a denial, or take your case to court if necessary. Reach out today to speak with us about your Social Security Disability case.
