Does Scoliosis Qualify as a Disability and Can You Get Disability Benefits for It?

Do you struggle with severe scoliosis? Is your condition so severe that you are unable to work and engage in daily activities as you otherwise would? If so, you may wonder whether or not your condition would qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. The answer will depend upon the severity of your condition and whether you meet various criteria set forth by the Social Security Administration.

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that can vary in severity. It affects 2 to 3% of the population in the United States, so if you have this condition, you are certainly not alone. Often, the onset of the condition develops in childhood or the teenage years, but it can become more severe with age. As it becomes more severe, it can make engaging in everyday activities very difficult.

Dextroscoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves to the right, away from the heart. Levoscoliosis, by contrast, is scoliosis with a left-sided curvature going toward the heart. Dextroscoliosis is the more common of the two conditions.

Scoliosis can have various origins, including:

• Neuromuscular: Neuromuscular scoliosis is caused by neurological or muscular diseases, including things like cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, and other conditions. This type of scoliosis may progress more rapidly than other types and often requires surgical intervention.
• Traumatic: This type of scoliosis may occur after an individual experiences a traumatic injury, such as a fall, a car accident, or some other sort of significantly traumatic event.
• Degenerative: Degenerative scoliosis often results from various degenerative changes in the spine, including those in the discs between the vertebrae.
• Congenital: Congenital scoliosis is present at birth and may occur in any part of the spine. Due to the abnormalities, one area of the spinal column lengthens more rapidly than the other, resulting in a curvature. This type of scoliosis is typically detected at a very young age, often due to its presence at birth.
• Idiopathic: This diagnosis applies when all other causes have been eliminated. Most cases fall into this category.

Regardless of the type of scoliosis you have and its origin, in order to be approved for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration will have to make a determination that you have a “qualifying medical condition.” Let’s take a closer look at how the SSA does that.

How Does the Social Security Administration Define “Disability?”

The Social Security Administration offers two types of disability benefits to qualifying applicants. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Although the types of benefits have differences, in order to qualify for either, you must be able to establish that you have a qualifying medical condition that has rendered you unable to work for at least one continuous calendar year or more.

When the Social Security Administration assesses a particular medical condition, it will often consult what is known as the “Blue Book.” This is a comprehensive list of various medical conditions and their associated symptoms. If you can establish through sufficient medical proof that you have a condition listed in the Blue Book, you increase your chances of being approved for disability benefits, although it is not absolutely necessary.

Although scoliosis is not specifically listed in the Blue Book, this does not mean that those with scoliosis are automatically ineligible for benefits. Indeed, those with severe scoliosis may experience a variety of disabling symptoms, including:

• Pain when sitting or standing for long periods
• Extreme fatigue
• Difficulty lifting heavy objects or performing certain movements, as well as flatback syndrome, which can be caused by the surgical insertion of back straightening rods, to name a few.

Regardless of the type of scoliosis you have, medical proof that you may want to gather to demonstrate the severity of your scoliosis would include not only doctor, hospital, and physical therapy notes but also diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, to name a few. Consulting with an attorney to determine the necessary medical proof for your specific situation is essential.

Call Disability Experts Today

If you have scoliosis and you are unable to work as a result, you may be experiencing considerable financial stress. That’s completely normal and understandable. It can be extremely difficult to live with a disabling condition, and when you add worry and stress over how you’ll continue to pay the bills and provide for yourself and your family, things can feel overwhelming. At Disability Experts, we understand that – and it’s why we’re here to help. We’re passionate about helping our clients fight for the disability benefits they need and deserve, and we’ll always pursue the best legal strategies on your behalf. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call today. We look forward to speaking with you soon.