As we’ve seen over this series of blogs, getting Social Security Disability (SSDI) with some medical conditions proves to be more difficult than others. Unfortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) often looks at many psychological and several physical conditions more critically than it does at other impairments. This is due to the fact that some conditions are more difficult to define and diagnose than others. More importantly, when it comes to being awarded your SSDI in Tampa, it must be determined that you can no longer work like you did in the past. For assistance initiating your claim for SSDI in Tampa, contact our experienced Social Security Advocates right now!
To be considered for SSDI with a herniated disc, you must have suffered from your disability (or expect to suffer from it) for at least one year. Many herniated or bulging discs either resolve themselves within one year, or are rectified with surgery.
The SSA also Requires:
- That your back injury is severe enough that you meet or exceed the requirements of its disability listing in the Blue Book on spinal disorders.
- That because of your age, education, and prior job skills, combined with your functional limitations, you can’t be expected to do your prior work or any job.
More Information about Tampa SSDI and Herniated Disc
In order to meet or exceed the SSA’s description for spinal disorders and qualification, you must have one of the following demonstrable back impairments in addition to your herniated or bulging disc:
- Stenosis
- Nerve root compression
- Arachnoiditis
If you haven’t been diagnosed with arachnoiditis or stenosis in addition to a herniated or bulging disc, you would have to show that your herniated disc is causing serious nerve root compression. If you cannot demonstrate that you have nerve root compression, you will not be awarded SSDI in Tampa unless you can also show that your range of motion is limited, your reflexes and/or sensations have decreased, and that you have weakness in your muscles.
This does not mean that you cannot get SSDI for herniated discs. It does mean, however, that it’s very difficult to do so and that you will most likely have to prove that you have several conditions before you are considered to be a viable candidate to received SSDI benefits in Tampa.
Tampa SSDI and Medical-Vocational Benefits for Herniated Discs
The truth is, the majority of claimants do not meet the all the requirements listed above to get SSDI in Tampa. DON’T GIVE UP! You might qualify for benefits based on medical-vocational guidelines (also know as “The Grids.”) If you are 50 or over, you have a much better chance of getting Med-Voc allowances.
Our experienced Social Security advocates at Disability Experts of Florida are standing by to answer any questions you might have about your case. We urge everyone to never give up his/her fight. Your quality of life is everything. Call or click right now to find out how we can help you!