Many people suffer from back pain of varying degrees of severity.
Spinal stenosis is a condition wherein the spinal canal narrows, causing compression of the spinal cord and nerves.
While some people with spinal stenosis have intermittent numbness or pain when walking, others are so severely impacted that they are unable to work.
If you belong in the latter category, you must be wondering: Is spinal stenosis a permanent disability?
Or, you must also be wondering: Does spinal stenosis qualify for disability?
Does Spinal Stenosis Qualify for Disability?
If you have severe pain in your back and legs and you can’t stand for prolonged periods of time, lift heavy objects, or walk effectively, you have a good chance of getting disability benefits.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that spinal stenosis can be a debilitating condition that may prevent a person from working for a living.
Accordingly, a person with this condition will medically qualify for disability benefits if he or she has been diagnosed with spinal stenosis AND:
- has evidence of nerve compression that results in pain and a limited range of motion or movement of the spine; or
- diagnosis of spinal arachnoiditis resulting in the need to change position more than once every two hours; or
- lumbar spinal stenosis resulting in pseudo-claudication, which is painful cramping or weakness in the legs.
A qualified Social Security attorney can advise you on the types of Social Security benefits for which you qualify if any.
They can also advise you if you want to get spinal stenosis workers to comp settlement or if you want to learn about the average settlement for spinal stenosis.