how severe does back issues have to be to quailfy for disability? - Disabilities Message Board

oddie · 12-06-2008, 07:02 AM

Hi all,
Totally confused!!!I've been struggling @ work,
since 2005 w/back issues.
Diaognosed w/degeneration of L3-L4,L4-L5&L5-S1,
with bulging disc in L3-L4.
Also,have had past issues w/panic disorders,which I
have been doing wonderful with up until all
the back issues&work!Bills,Bills&Pain!!!
Can anyone shed any light?
Thanks,Oddie

Vuitton70 · 12-08-2008, 03:07 PM

Wish I knew that answer myself. I took a 20 ft fall 4 years ago causing a torn disk @ l4,l5 + a compressed disc at s1 + damaged both SI joints.

This is apparently NOT enough to warrant SSD the first time around. I am still waiting on my appeal - while I can't work & the bills pile up.

GL I hope you have better luck on your journey

gayle4102 · 12-09-2008, 12:05 PM

I wish I knew the answer too. I also filed because of severe back issues. Maybe a disability attorney or advocate could help. I went to an attorney before I filed, and he looked over my medical records and said I had a good case. Still, I was denied the first two times, and am now waiting for a date with the ALJ. Getting denied twice, then getting approved at the ALJ hearing seems to happen a lot.

All you can do is try. Seeking the advice of an attorney or advocate will not cost anything. They only get paid if they win for you.

Good luck!

chicubs · 12-10-2008, 05:40 AM

Does your company where you are working have any short term disability and/or long term disability? I'm a little confused so please forgive me.
Are you saying that you are presently working and have been denied for SSDI? Or you are not working and have been Denied?
Because don't you have to be not working for six months or a year before you can apply for SSDI?
I guess the first thing I would do (if you are still working) is to see if you can get STD or LTD. Then go from there.
If you know they do not offer this go and see a lawyer to see what he thinks might help you. Are you married?
If so perhaps you can go on his insurance as you have to wait for and answer for social security.
I don't know if this helped or not but these are some things came to mind.
Good Luck,

Chris

Michael8466 · 12-11-2008, 01:35 AM

I to was denied twice. I then got an attorney and went in front of the judge and was approved.