Social Security Disability – Back and Neck Pain
Social Security Disability – Back and Neck Pain
One out of four American workers in Florida suffers a disabling injury at some point in their career. If you are one of those people and are no longer able to work because of back or neck pain, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. Shea Fugate a leading Florida SSD attorney can help you determine if you are eligible, and if so, how to apply.
We will discuss the eligibility requirements for back and neck pain SSD benefits in Florida and how an SSD attorney can help you obtain the benefits you deserve.
Back and Neck Pain
Your spine is made up of bones (vertebrae) that are cushioned by discs. The discs act as shock absorbers for your spine and allow the vertebrae to move. The vertebrae are connected by ligaments and muscles, which hold the spine in place. The spinal cord runs through a canal in the center of the spine and is protected by the vertebrae. The spinal cord carries messages between the brain and the rest of your body.
Nerves branch out from the spinal cord to all parts of your body. These nerves control sensation and muscle movement.
There are many causes of back and neck pain, including:
● Injuries
● Diseases
● Poor posture
● Repetitive motions
● Carrying heavy objects
Back pain is most commonly caused by either strain or sprain of the muscles. This can come from heavy lifting, quick movement, bad posture, or continuous repetition of motions. Back pain can also be caused by diseases, such as arthritis, scoliosis, and spinal stenosis.
Neck pain also is most often caused by muscle strain or sprain. Three of the most common causes of neck pain are slouching, lifting heavy objects, and sudden movements. However, many diseases can lead to neck discomforts such as arthritis, cervical spondylosis, and cervical disc disease.
You may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if your back or neck pain is so severe that it prevents you from working.
Social Security Disability – Back and Neck Pain Benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step sequential evaluation process to determine whether you are disabled.
The first step is to determine whether you are working. If you are, and your earnings average is more than $1170 per month, you will not be considered disabled.
If you are not working, or if your earnings fall below $1170 per month, the SSA will move on to the second step of the evaluation process.
The second step is to determine whether your condition is severe enough to be considered a disability.
To be considered disabled, your condition must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities. These activities include walking, sitting, standing, lifting, and remembering. If your condition does not significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities, you will not be considered disabled. In such a situation, the SSA will move on to the third step of the evaluation process.
The third step is to determine whether your condition meets or equals a listing in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book. The Blue Book is a list of disabling conditions that the SSA has determined will automatically qualify an individual for SSD benefits. If your condition meets or equals a listing, you will be considered disabled and awarded SSD benefits.
If your condition does not meet or equal a listing, the SSA will move on to the fourth step of the evaluation process.
The fourth step is to determine whether you can perform the work you did prior to becoming disabled. If you are, you will not be considered disabled. If you are not able to perform the work you did prior to becoming disabled, or if you have never worked, the SSA will move on to the final step of the evaluation process.
The fifth and final step is to determine whether you are able to perform any other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy. If you are not, you will be considered disabled and awarded SSD benefits. If you are able to perform other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy, you will not be considered disabled.
If you are applying for SSD benefits based on back or neck pain, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of the evaluation process. Shea Fugate SSD attorney can help ensure that your claim is properly evaluated and that you have the best chance possible of obtaining the SSD benefits you deserve.
What Can I Expect If My Claim Is Approved?
If your claim for SSD benefits is approved, you will receive a monthly benefit payment. The amount of your benefit payment will depend on your average lifetime earnings. You may also be eligible for Medicare coverage 24 months after the date your SSD benefits begin.
What if My Claim Is Denied?
If your SSD claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. You should get in touch with an SSD attorney to discuss your options and to ensure that you meet all deadlines throughout the appeals process.
Contact Shea Fugate, P.A. SSD Attorney Today
If you are suffering from back or neck pain and would like to learn more about SSD benefits, contact Shea Fugate, P.A. SSD attorney today. An SSD attorney can help you navigate the SSD claims process and give you the best chance possible of obtaining the SSD benefits you deserve.
One of the most common mistakes people make when applying for SSD benefits is not fully understanding what they need to prove at each step of the process. An SSD attorney can help you put together a strong case and avoid any missteps that could jeopardize your claim.
SSD benefits can improve your quality of life and provide you with the financial stability to focus on your recovery. Do not hesitate to get the help you need. Get free consultation from Shea Fugate, P.A. attorney as soon as possible.
