Herniated Cervical Discs and SSDI - Hernia Message Board

Brie57 · 04-09-2009, 07:42 AM

Anyone with this condition able to get SSDI?

PNo · 04-09-2009, 03:58 PM

Skeletal problems like this are on the list in that book that they use to evaluate cases. But it isn't just that you have herniated discs, it will be based on your daily condition, the nature/extent of your disability, etc. and inability to hold a job they consider gainful employment based on your case. There is a good disability board on healthboards. The key to actually winning SSDI case is to have the physical condition, the medical proof, good records showing consitent and continuous care, and the doctors opinions about your ability to work. Lots of the doctors don't like to get involed in these cases as they don't get paid for their time helping you, that's when it is good to have a self paid functional capacity exam by a professional evaluator to be on your side and do most of the paperwork for the doctor. Most people file, get denied, start an appeal and get a lawyer to help them. Social Security makes it a lengthy process for two reasons, one- some people get better and go back to work, the other is people trying to abuse the system give up frustrated. It makes it really hard for the people that really need it! The lawyers can only charge up to $5300 max and they get paid only if you do.

Brie57 · 04-09-2009, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ***********

Skeletal problems like this are on the list in that book that they use to evaluate cases. But it isn't just that you have herniated discs, it will be based on your daily condition, the nature/extent of your disability, etc. and inability to hold a job they consider gainful employment based on your case. There is a good disability board on healthboards. The key to actually winning SSDI case is to have the physical condition, the medical proof, good records showing consitent and continuous care, and the doctors opinions about your ability to work. Lots of the doctors don't like to get involed in these cases as they don't get paid for their time helping you, that's when it is good to have a self paid functional capacity exam by a professional evaluator to be on your side and do most of the paperwork for the doctor. Most people file, get denied, start an appeal and get a lawyer to help them. Social Security makes it a lengthy process for two reasons, one- some people get better and go back to work, the other is people trying to abuse the system give up frustrated. It makes it really hard for the people that really need it! The lawyers can only charge up to $5300 max and they get paid only if you do.

Thanks so much for your feedback. I had an epidural done last night at a free clinic and that Doctor responded to me as if I will be as good as new with the herniated discs, he said to go back to welding and I was shocked! He said, can't you use a welding shield? He knows nothing about welding, being in the trades or anything else about what I am able to do. Just the thought of a welding hood and bobbing my neck up and down and bending back to overhead weld makes me cringe! I got these herniated discs from a motorcycle accident that killed my husband, from a broken neck, and have worked in in the trades to raise my family as a widowed mom. I feel my work has contributed to my discs finally getting herniated. What does one do when the docter spends 5 minutes with you and sees you as being 'fine', when in no way, shape or form could I possibly present myself to a forman as being capable of doing a job? I would have to lie!
Where does one find a profesional evalulator? I mentioned ssdi to the free clinic doctor and his attitude towards me changed imediately, as if I was trying to pull something, yet my mri clearly shows herniated discs. I am confussed.

Nicole74 · 04-09-2009, 07:31 PM

Brie, I'm so very sorry about your husband. The epidural shots do not cure a herniated disc. They may help the pain for a short while. I really don't know much about SSD. I hope there is a way you can find another doctor and get a second or maybe third opinion. Good luck.

PNo · 04-10-2009, 12:08 AM

Brie How long has this been going on? Do you have a copy of the MRI report that you could type in the summary text here? Have you been out of work - for how long? Because you have a physical job based on what has been going on it might be an easier process for you than people who have desk jobs. Also your skills are so unique. Are you younger than 50? Type in the MRI and tell us a little more about your condition!