Is Cervical Spinal Stenosis on the SSA's List of Impairments? - Disabilities Message Board

Jem58 · 08-20-2009, 12:55 PM

I suffer terribly with spinal stenosis in my neck, and it's one of my reasons for filing for SSI. My MRIs indicate severe cervical spinal stenosis, as well as a host of other bad things in my neck. I know that "disorders of the spine" is listed, and that the neck is part of the spine. Still, I can't seem to fnd much, if anything, about the cervical spine listed on SS's impairment listing. I see a lot about the lumbar spine, which is not one of my issues. Any help is appreciated.

gayle4102 · 08-20-2009, 03:31 PM

I am no expert, but I think the neck is part of the spine. This is what I read about it:

Listing 1.04 is actually titled Disorders of the Spine and this listing (for those who are unaware, a disability claimant who meets the requirements of a listed impairment will be determined medically eligible for benefits) includes--but is not limited to--the following spine disorders: spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, spinal arachnoidititis, herniated nucleus pulposus, facet arthritis, and vertebral fracture.

But, it still seems to boil down to if the judge thinks you can do some kind of job.

Jem58 · 08-20-2009, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gayle4102

I am no expert, but I think the neck is part of the spine. This is what I read about it:

Listing 1.04 is actually titled Disorders of the Spine and this listing (for those who are unaware, a disability claimant who meets the requirements of a listed impairment will be determined medically eligible for benefits) includes--but is not limited to--the following spine disorders: spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, spinal arachnoidititis, herniated nucleus pulposus, facet arthritis, and vertebral fracture.

But, it still seems to boil down to if the judge thinks you can do some kind of job.

Thanks Gayle. I know the neck is part of the spine and stated so in my first post. I have four of those seven examples that are listed. Still, I'd love to see the word cervical or neck somewhere. I see lumbar all over that page. I'm probably just being paranoid, lol.

jennybyc · 08-20-2009, 06:44 PM

You also need to be aware they will ask you why you haven't had it surgically corrected. There are several different surgeries that can completely fix cervical stenosis and even one that does it without fusion. They do take that into account. If you refuse surgery, it lowers your chance of being approved. Make sure you have a specialist supporting you not only in your diagnosis but in not having it fixed. Catch 22!

good luck...Jenny

Jem58 · 08-21-2009, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jennybyc

You also need to be aware they will ask you why you haven't had it surgically corrected. There are several different surgeries that can completely fix cervical stenosis and even one that does it without fusion. They do take that into account. If you refuse surgery, it lowers your chance of being approved. Make sure you have a specialist supporting you not only in your diagnosis but in not having it fixed. Catch 22!

good luck...Jenny

Thanks Jenny. I'd have that surgery in a minute. I was seen by a neurosurgeon at a renowned othopedics hospital in Boston, and I wasn't a candidate for surgery. I didn't understand it, but he told me that surgery wouldn't take my pain away.