Lumbar Stenosis

Lumbar Stenosis and Social Security Disability Benefits

Spinal stenosis is a disorder that narrows the spinal column causing pressure to be exerted on the spinal cord. Often time’s spinal stenosis occurs as people become older, due to the fact that discs dry out and begin to bulge. Symptoms are often isolated to one side of the body, but it is not unheard of for it to affect both. The symptoms include numbness/weakness of a leg or arm (or part of), and pain in the back, shoulders, or any other parts of the body directly linked to the spinal cord. Symptoms often increase or become more severe when the individual walks or does any type of physical activity; sitting down or leaning forward can help relieve the pain.

Individuals often suffer from debilitating pain due to spinal stenosis. The condition will also prevent them from being able to stand or walk for extended periods of time.

Lumbar Stenosis and Social Security Disability Benefits Help

If the applicant’s impairment falls within any of the following categories set forth by Social Security’s Listing 1.04, then a strong claim may exist. The Listing is as follows;

1. Evidence of nerve root compression characterized by neuro-anatomic distribution of pain, limitation of motion of the spine, motor loss (atrophy with associated muscle weakness or muscle weakness) accompanied by sensory or reflex loss and, if there is involvement of the lower back, positive straight-leg raising test(sitting and supine); or
2. Spinal arachnoiditis, confirmed by an operative note or pathology report of tissue biopsy, or by appropriate medically acceptable imaging, manifested by severe burning or painful dysesthesia, resulting in the need for changes in position or posture more than once every 2 hours; or
3. Lumbar spinal stenosis resulting in pseudoclaudication, established by findings on appropriate medically acceptable imaging, manifested by chronic nonradicular pain and weakness, and resulting in inability to ambulate effectively, as defined in 1.00B2b

The pain associated with spinal stenosis makes work extremely difficult. Sufferers are also unable to effectively walk or even stand due to the pain/weakness the illness causes in the back and legs. Any type of physical activity will make the condition more severe. If you have any questions concerning your eligibility, please call us at 1-800-882-5500 or submit an application for a free claim evaluation.