Disorders that Could Get You Social Security Disability Benefits for Neck Pain
Social Security keeps a list of impairments that are eligible for disability benefits. For each of those impairments, they offer advice on how to prove you should receive benefits.
Neck problems could result from different medical conditions. You may hear disorders referred to as “cervical spine” problems, which means your upper spine.
Your Social Security Disability application could center on any of these impairments:
- Arthritis and other inflammatory disorders, such as spondylosis
- Cancers that damage bones and muscles in your spine
- Degenerative disc disease shrinkage in your neck bones
- Effects of surgery on the neck
- Herniated, injured discs in the vertebrae of your neck
- Infections such as meningitis that affect the spine
- Myelopathy causing pain and movement problems
- Nerve roots getting compressed in the cervical spine
- Spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spine
- Whiplash from sudden jarring of the neck
You could have something else, too. You could even have a disorder that’s not on Social Security’s list.
In that case, you work with your doctors to get an assessment of what Social Security calls your “residual functional capacity (RFC).” Your RFC measures your strength, movement, energy level and more regardless of what diagnosis you have.
A successful Social Security Disability claim involves coordinating between your health care providers and Social Security to get across the right information and make it clear you should be awarded benefits.
Disability lawyers are skilled at that process. And you don’t pay a fee for a disability lawyer until you win benefits.
It’s also free to talk to the Oregon disability attorneys at Wells, Manning, Eitenmiller & Taylor and see where you might go from here.
Evidence You Need to Qualify for Social Security Disability for Neck Problems
Disability claims involving your neck are likely to require types of evidence you find in Social Security’s guidelines for musculoskeletal issues, which include problems with your back and spine, other bones, joints, connective tissue and more.
Social Security says musculoskeletal diseases are among the most common reasons workers get disability benefits. And for every Social Security Disability case, medical evidence is the core of it.
For musculoskeletal disorders, Social Security says it looks for evidence like this:
- Physical exam reports where your doctor describes your condition
- Documentation that you need an assistive device
- Measurement of your muscle strength
- Medical imaging, such as x-rays, CT scans and MRIs
- Medical test results
- Reports from surgeries you’ve had
- Description from health care providers of your response to treatment
You’ll also need information showing how your neck condition has progressed over time.
For disability benefits, your debilitating impairment must be sure to last at least a year for you to qualify, as reported by your doctors. You must be nearly completely unable to work because of it.
You’ll work closely with your health care providers to back up your claim that you can’t work due to neck pain.
And your Social Security Disability lawyer in Oregon will work closely with you to make sure the government gives you a fair chance at benefits.
If you have life-altering, work-stopping neck problems, talk to Wells, Manning, Eitenmiller & Taylor so you can rest knowing someone capable is helping you reach a more secure situation.
We’re with You Every Step of the Way
Whether you’re trying to determine if you’re qualified for disability benefits, you need help filing your application, or you received a denial notice and want another chance, our law firm helps from the beginning and stays by your side.
Have a Question about Disability Benefits?
Your health is bad. You can’t work. Your financial stability is threatened. So your head is swimming with questions. How will you get by? How does Social Security Disability work? We’ve gathered answers. See them here:
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