Steps to Qualify for SSDI with a Herniated Disc

Understand SSA’s Criteria for Spine Disorders

The SSA includes spinal disorders, such as herniated discs, under its Listing of Impairments. To qualify for SSDI based on a herniated disc, your condition must meet specific medical criteria related to the severity of the symptoms and their impact on your ability to work.

The SSA evaluates spinal disorders under the Musculoskeletal System category, specifically looking at how your back condition limits your ability to perform basic work activities. For a herniated disc, the SSA will look at the following factors:

• Disruption of nerve roots or the spinal cord: The herniated disc must be severe enough to cause significant impairment in the nerves or spinal cord, resulting in limitations in mobility, feeling, or motor function.
• Inability to perform basic work activities: You must demonstrate that your herniated disc prevents you from doing essential job tasks, including lifting, bending, standing, walking, or sitting for long periods.

Prove Severe Functional Limitations

To qualify for SSDI, you must show that your herniated disc results in functional limitations that are severe enough to prevent you from working. Common symptoms of a herniated disc that may affect your ability to work include:

• Severe pain in your back, legs, or neck
• Numbness or tingling in the limbs
• Muscle weakness or difficulty moving
• Difficulty standing, walking, or sitting for long periods
• Loss of bladder or bowel control in extreme cases

The SSA will assess whether these limitations impact your ability to perform any meaningful work, both in your previous job and any other type of work based on your skills and education.

Provide Detailed Medical Documentation

One of the most important aspects of your SSDI claim is providing solid medical evidence to support your case. This includes:

• Doctor’s records: Your treating physician’s records, including MRI results, X-rays, CT scans, and other diagnostic tests that show the severity of your herniated disc and its impact on your functioning.
• Treatment history: Provide evidence of any treatments you’ve received, such as physical therapy, pain management, medications, or surgery, and the effectiveness of these treatments.
• Doctor’s opinion: A letter from your doctor or specialist explaining how your herniated disc limits your ability to work can significantly strengthen your case. The more specific and detailed the doctor is about your limitations, the better.

Understand the SSA’s Five-Step Evaluation Process

If your herniated disc is not listed in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments or doesn’t meet the exact criteria, the SSA will assess your claim using a five-step evaluation process:

• Step 1: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): If you are working and earning above a certain income threshold, the SSA may determine that you are not disabled.
• Step 2: Severe Condition: Your herniated disc must be severe enough to prevent you from performing basic work tasks.
• Step 3: Meet a Listed Impairment: If your herniated disc meets the SSA’s criteria for spinal disorders, you may automatically qualify.
• Step 4: Past Work: The SSA will evaluate whether you can still perform your previous job.
• Step 5: Other Work: If you can’t perform your past work, the SSA will look at whether you can transition to other types of work, given your skills, education, and age. If your herniated disc severely limits your ability to perform any type of work, you may qualify for benefits.

Be Prepared for the Appeals Process

It’s common for SSDI claims based on back issues like herniated discs to be denied, especially if the medical evidence isn’t strong enough. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. The appeals process typically includes:



• Requesting a reconsideration: This is the first step of the appeals process, where the SSA reviews your claim again.
• Requesting a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): If your reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing. This is a critical stage where you can present additional evidence and have the opportunity to explain how your herniated disc affects your ability to work.
• Gathering more evidence: If your case is denied, make sure to provide any new medical records or other evidence that may strengthen your claim.