BAD BACK: GOOD CASE

Spinal disorders are the Number One cause of disability in the United States.  They can make good SSDI cases.  If you have a bad back, you may have a winning claim if you........

a)  Have had an MRI of the spine and it shows bulging or protruding discs or other severe spinal impairments;

b)  Have a history of medical treatment for back pain without significant improvement;

c)  Get a statement from your orthopedic specialist which lists your restrictions in sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting and reaching.

Your odds will be improved if your past work involved a great deal of standing, walking, lifting and bending.  However, many individuals with bad backs also have trouble sitting for prolonged periods and this can impair the ability to do sedentary type work, as well.

Objective medical evidence, including imaging studies are critical.  Social Security does not like to pay for back pain where the cause (etiology) is not clearly demonstrated. But if there is physical evidence, spinal disorders may certainly be legally disabling conditions.

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