Spinal Impairments & Disability Benefits

A spinal impairment can affect one or multiple levels of the spine whether it is due to a lumbar, cervical or thoracic injury. Various degrees of degenerative disc disease and disc herniation can be the underlying cause of spinal injury. Social Security requires that these orthopedic conditions be severe enough that neurological symptoms develop with telltale signs such as radiculopathy, sciatic pain or bladder control urgencies. While MRIS, NCS and EMGS can clearly confirm the diagnosis, a clinical profile showing elements of weakness and atrophy are also necessary to fulfill Social Security's evidentiary standards. Often claimants with severe spinal impairments will require operative procedures like discectomies, laminectomies and fusions. The Administration will want a copy of these operative notes.

All Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income determinations are based on medical documentation. It is important that your condition and treatment is thoroughly documented in the form of medical records, laboratory testing, clinical evaluations, and narrative reports from your treating physicians. If you do not treat with a doctor, or your doctor is not supportive, your lawyer will not be able to prove your case, regardless of how sick you truly are. Our goal is that you, your doctors and our attorneys can form the winning team to ensure that your pursuit for Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits is successful.

At West Coast Disability Legal Center, our experienced attorneys guide people through each step of the Social Security Disability claims process. We can file your initial claim, appeal your claim to the reconsideration level if you are denied, request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, or appeal your case to the Appeals Council. To talk with us about your case, please call us at (800) 459-3017 to schedule a free consultation. You can also contact us online and one of our attorneys will get in touch with you. There is never a fee for our services unless we win your case.