In my previous post, I have talked about a number of tests and procedures you’ll need to undergo to prove to Social Security that you’re suffering from a musculoskeletal disorder, as well as defining “loss of function.” But if the impairment you’re dealing with involves your spine, there are a number of very specific things that you’re going to have to do in order to be accepted for disability by the SSA.
What You Need in a Spinal Exam
The first and most important thing to note before getting a spinal exam from the doctor is that you had better choose someone that the SSA deems an “acceptable medical source.” Orthopedic surgeons, osteopathic doctors, and other medical doctors qualify, for example, but generally chiropractors do not. In spite of recent rules to contrary, people who have their chiropractors filling out the SSA’s form quickly discover that the agency gives them little credibility and won’t help them get the benefits they need.
Once you have a doctor that the SSA will pay attention to, here’s what to expect in the examination:
- A thorough description of your gait
- Quantitative range of motion written in degrees
- Mentions of signs of tension, muscle spasms, motor abnormalities, deep tendon reflexes, sensory abnormalities
- Written observations about how you get up and down
- Tests to see if you can walk on your heels or toes
If your muscles have become atrophied, the doctor will need to measure the circumference of your lower legs and thighs (or upper and lower arms) and use inches or centimeters. Additionally, they have to measure your strength in these limbs using a scale from 0 to 5 and include specific descriptions.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-562-9830
Neurological Problems May Persist – and Not Be Helped
One of the more frustrating things about spinal issues is that the SSA’s definition only covers the physical damage, but quite often even after the physical problems are fixed, neurological ones linger. If this is the situation you find yourself in, you may have a difficult time getting help from SSA. Talk to an experienced Social Security Disability attorney like Marc Whitehead to see if your issue qualifies as a serious neurological impairment and can be evaluated with different criteria.
Our next blog post will go in-depth on the documentation you need for musculoskeletal disorders. Have more Social Security questions that you want answered now? Download our free eBook on SSD benefits.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
