What Is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when one of the discs in your spine breaks open or bulges out of its normal position. This can put pressure on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, weakness, and limited mobility. Depending on the severity, a herniated disc can significantly affect your ability to perform daily tasks, especially work-related duties that require physical activity like lifting, bending, or sitting for long periods.

How Social Security Evaluates a Herniated Disc for Disability

When applying for SSDI or SSI, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will assess your condition using a specific set of medical criteria. The SSA has a Listing of Impairments that outlines certain conditions that automatically qualify for benefits if they meet specific severity criteria. Although a herniated disc is not listed directly, it can qualify under the SSA’s listing for disorders of the spine.

According to the SSA's criteria, you must meet one of the following to qualify for disability with a herniated disc:

• Severe Limitation of Motion or Nerve Compression: Your herniated disc must significantly limit your ability to perform physical tasks. For example, if you have limited spinal motion, constant pain, or severe nerve compression that affects the use of your limbs (e.g., arms or legs), you may meet the SSA’s criteria.
• Inability to Perform Basic Work Activities: The SSA will evaluate whether your condition prevents you from performing even basic work activities, such as walking, sitting, or standing for extended periods.
• Spinal Nerve Root Compression: If your herniated disc is causing significant nerve compression in the spinal cord or affecting nerve roots (e.g., causing sciatica), this can increase the likelihood of qualifying for SSDI benefits.
• Residual Functional Capacity (RFC): If your condition doesn’t meet the SSA’s listings, you can still qualify for SSDI or SSI based on your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). Your RFC is an assessment of what you can still do despite your condition. For example, if your herniated disc prevents you from sitting or standing for long periods, lifting heavy objects, or performing physical tasks, your RFC may indicate that you are unable to work in most jobs.

Proving Your Disability with a Herniated Disc

One of the most important aspects of applying for Social Security Disability with a herniated disc is providing sufficient medical evidence. The SSA requires thorough documentation to prove the severity of your condition and how it affects your ability to work. Here’s what you should include in your application:

• Medical Records: Submit records from your doctors, including MRIs, X-rays, CT scans, and other diagnostic tests that show the extent of your herniated disc and any nerve damage.
• Doctor’s Notes: Provide your doctor’s notes and detailed descriptions of your symptoms, including pain, mobility issues, and any limitations caused by your herniated disc. A doctor’s letter describing how your condition prevents you from working is especially helpful.
• Physical Therapy Records: If you’ve undergone physical therapy, include records that show your progress (or lack thereof). If you’ve been prescribed pain management or other treatments that haven’t worked, include those records as well.
• Work History: Show the SSA how your herniated disc has affected your ability to perform your past work duties, as well as any other relevant work history. This will help establish that your condition prevents you from working in any capacity.

Steps to Apply for Social Security Disability with a Herniated Disc

• Review the Eligibility Criteria: Ensure you meet the basic eligibility requirements for SSDI or SSI. For SSDI, you need to have worked and paid into Social Security for a certain number of years. For SSI, financial need is the key criterion, not work history.
• Prepare Your Medical Evidence: Gather all relevant medical records, including test results, doctor’s opinions, and treatment plans. Be sure to document the effects of your herniated disc on your ability to function day-to-day.
• Complete the Application: You can apply for Social Security Disability benefits online through the SSA website at www.ssa.gov, or you can apply over the phone or in person at your local SSA office. Be thorough and accurate when filling out the application to avoid delays or denials.
• Follow Up: After submitting your application, monitor the status and respond to any requests for additional information or documents from the SSA. You can track the progress of your application through your my Social Security account.

What Happens If You’re Denied?

It’s important to know that denials are common for disability claims, especially for conditions like a herniated disc. However, being denied doesn’t mean you should give up. You have the right to appeal the decision if your claim is rejected. The appeals process involves several steps:

• Request for Reconsideration: The first step after a denial is to request a reconsideration, where the SSA will review your claim again.
• Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): If your reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an ALJ to present your case in person.
• Appeals Council: If the ALJ denies your case, you can request a review from the Appeals Council.
• Federal Court: As a last resort, you can take your case to federal court.