Marc Whitehead & Associates has helped thousands of victims of spinal stenosis disability and other impairments of the spine and back overcome denied claims for disability benefits.
Spinal stenosis occurs when there is a narrowing of the spinal canal, which compresses the spinal cord and nerves. This medical condition often results in severe symptoms and a profound effect on those afflicted.
The condition can limit one’s ability to work or carry out normal daily activities, and may result in permanent disability. Seeking disability benefits for spinal stenosis can be a lengthy, frustrating process.
Denial of Spinal Stenosis Disability Claims – Long Term Disability Insurance
When you file a claim for long term disability through your insurance company, be prepared for a fight. It is common for many insurance carriers to deny claims for spinal stenosis and other disorders of the neck and spine.
They will argue from many points of view, including lack of objective medical evidence such as x-ray, CT scans or MRI, to the fact that spinal stenosis is a normal aging process, or the pain or weakness does not meet the threshold of disability according to the language in the insurance policy.
Insurance companies may also selectively ignore any award of disability benefits made by Social Security for spinal stenosis.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-562-9830
Claims for Spinal Stenosis Disability under Social Security Disability
Spinal stenosis is listed in the Social Security Disability (SSD) Listing of Impairments, under Musculoskeletal System listings, Section 1.04, Disorders of the Spine. However, there are requirements that must be met in order to qualify, including:
- The condition must be lumbar spinal stenosis
- Pseudoclaudication (pain and weakness in the lower back, buttocks and thighs, with weakness in the lower extremities) must be present
- Medical evidence of lumbar spinal stenosis must be provided, including appropriate medical imaging tests (MRI, CT scan, myelography)
- Chronic nonradicular pain (continuous pain which does not radiate from a nerve) and weakness must be evident
- The inability to ambulate effectively must be evident
If you have been wrongly denied Social Security benefits, you should immediately appeal with the help of a qualified attorney to help you through the process.
Help for Disabled Veterans Claims for Spinal Stenosis
The Veterans Administration recognizes spinal stenosis as a disability. It is listed in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities under the listings for Musculoskeletal System, Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. In addition, many veterans are eligible to receive both Veterans disability and Social Security benefits at the same time.
For many reasons, disabled veterans continue to be unfairly denied compensation through the Veterans disability program. The VA also faces hundreds of thousands of backlogged disability claims.
At Marc Whitehead & Associates, we consider this an injustice. As accredited Veterans claim attorneys, we strongly advocate for disabled soldiers across the country. You may request a disability benefits consultation with us at any time, at no cost.
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What Is Spinal Stenosis Disability?
The condition is a narrowing of the spinal canal. This is usually due to spine and disc degeneration that occurs with aging. It can also be caused by injury, trauma, osteoporosis, or in rare cases, tumors.
The narrowing commonly occurs in the cervical spine (neck area) or the lumbar spine (lower back). Sometimes both areas are affected. The spinal cord and spinal nerves become compressed, or squeezed, causing inflammation of the nerves.
Cervical spinal stenosis results in pain, numbness and weakness in the arms, shoulders, and legs, and victims often suffer from balance issues and disturbance in their gait.
Lumbar spinal stenosis results in low back pain, as well as weakness, numbness, pain and abnormal sensations in the buttocks, thighs, legs, calves, and feet. Trouble walking, and loss of bowel or bladder control may also result. A very common impairment caused by this nerve compression is sciatica. This occurs when there is pressure on the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower spine down the back of each leg.
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Take Steps to Receive the Disability Compensation You Deserve
Your chances of success are much greater with experienced legal representation. A consultation with our attorneys will help you determine all that is required to challenge and overturn the insurance company’s denial, and meet the specific Social Security or Veterans Disability listings. We represent the disabled nationwide.
A denied claim is not the end. Call 800-562-9830 or request a free consultation with a lawyer about your spinal stenosis disability claim today.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form