Struggling With Kyphosis Or Scoliosis? What You Should Know About Disability Qualifications
Kyphosis and scoliosis are conditions that refer to a curvature of the spine. The severity of this curvature can vary with each patient, and some people live with the condition for many years with few or no symptoms or discomfort. In more severe cases, however, the constant pain, fatigue, and strain can be debilitating. If you've struggled with persistent back pain for years only to have your doctor recently diagnose you with kyphosis or scoliosis, you may want to talk with a Social Security disability attorney about your condition.
Qualifying for Disability with Kyphosis or Scoliosis
Social Security disability benefits are typically only awarded for severe cases of kyphosis and scoliosis, because the severe cases are the most debilitating and typically prevent you from working. As a result, there are two methods that you can use to potentially qualify for disability benefits after your diagnosis.
Qualifying By the Book
The Social Security Administration relies on a blue book of conditions for automatic disability findings. If you are diagnosed with a condition that is listed in the blue book as an automatic qualification for Social Security disability benefits, you can apply using that listing as your justification to obtain benefits.
Unfortunately, scoliosis and kyphosis are not listed individually as qualifying conditions. In order to qualify under book listings, you'll want to talk with a disability attorney about the listing for disorders of the spine. You may be able to qualify under the technical definition of spinal disorders.
For this qualification, you'll have to show one of a few things. If there is compression of the nerves that's causing muscle weakness or affecting your ability to move, you could qualify. If the inflammation requires you to change position more frequently than once every two hours, you could possibly qualify as well. You will have to have medical imaging, treatment plans, and other documentation to prove your condition and the limited possibilities for improvement.
Qualifying Under Other Disabilities
When you are unable to qualify under the blue book conditions, you might be able to qualify under another condition. Severe kyphosis and scoliosis can affect other parts of your body. You may need to talk with a disability attorney about qualifying under another condition. Sometimes, spinal conditions like kyphosis and scoliosis can affect your respiratory system, your heart and even your mental health. If your doctor has determined that you are suffering from depression, severe respiratory problems or other conditions, you may be able to apply for disability benefits.
Qualifying Based on Ability to Work
If you don't qualify under a book definition of a condition, you might need to apply based on your ability to work. In those cases, you'd want to have the support of both your medical team and a Social Security disability attorney. Together, you can present a case that shows that your condition has inhibited your ability to work based on the limitations that it has left you with.
If the only thing you're skilled to do is construction, kyphosis or scoliosis will make it hard for you to work in the field. Additionally, the pain and discomfort that causes you to be unable to sit or stand for long periods may make a desk job difficult. Thorough medical documentation and an evaluation of your work history is typically required for this type of case.
Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a daunting task, but it doesn't need to result in anxiety. With the information presented here and the support of a legal professional at Mckown Jim Attorney At Law, you can find a qualifying approach to apply for disability benefits for your spinal condition.