Can You Receive Social Security Disability Benefits for Your Low Back Pain?
Low back pain can be debilitating—and if it prevents you from working, you may wonder whether you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. In this article, I’ll walk you through what the Social Security Administration (SSA) looks for when reviewing a claim based on lower back pain.
What the SSA Needs to See
My name is Kaitlin Wildoner, and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better. In this video, we will discuss receiving Social Security Disability benefits for back pain.
When applying for Social Security Disability benefits based on lower back pain, it’s important to provide comprehensive medical evidence to the Social Security Administration. This includes:
- Medical records
- Imaging results (including X-rays, CTs, MRIs)
- Treatment history
- Evaluations from your healthcare professionals
How Severe Does the Pain Need to Be?
Lower back pain should be chronic and severe to potentially qualify for Social Security Disability. The pain should also:
- Persist for an extended period—at least 12 months
- Significantly limit your ability to perform activities of daily living and work-related tasks
What Limitations Are Evaluated?
The Social Security Administration will evaluate the functional limitations caused by your lower back pain. These limitations can include difficulties with:
- Sitting
- Standing
- Walking
- Bending
- Lifting
- Carrying
- Other physical activities often required for employment
What Evidence Supports a Claim?
The SSA will often require objective medical evidence to support your claim for disability based on lower back pain. This can include:
- Imaging results
- Clinical examinations
- Treatment records
- Reports from medical professionals that describe the severity and impact of your condition
Why Treatment Documentation Matters
Providing documentation of the treatments you’ve undergone for your lower back pain is also important. This includes:
- Medications you’re taking
- Physical therapy
- Injections
- Surgery
- Any other interventions
Additionally, information about how you responded to those treatments can help support your claim.
Consistency Is Key
It’s essential to ensure your medical records consistently reflect the severity and impact of your lower back pain. Regular visits to healthcare professionals and adhering to their recommended treatments can help establish a consistent record of your disabling condition.
What Is Residual Functional Capacity?
The SSA will assess your residual functional capacity—an evaluation of your ability to perform work-related activities despite your lower back pain. This assessment considers:
- Medical evidence
- Limitations in sitting, standing, walking, and other physical activities
- Impact of pain medication and side effects
Other Factors the SSA Considers
The Social Security Administration will also consider your:
- Age
- Education
- Work history
These factors may impact your ability to adapt to other types of work given the limitations imposed by your low back pain.
The Importance of Working With Your Doctors
Working closely with your treating physicians and other medical professionals is critical. They can help provide detailed:
- Medical documentation
- Opinions
- Support
—all of which can strengthen your disability claim based on your low back pain.
Thanks so much for watching.
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