If you are experiencing severe back pain as a result of spine problems, and you have suffered physical limitations that have interfered with your ability to work, you may have a spine disorder that the Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes as a qualifying health problem. However, there are many different spinal disorders that don’t qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.

You may have osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, or a vertebral fracture, but a diagnosis by itself doesn’t automatically qualify you to receive disability benefits. For example, with spine osteoarthritis, it is critical that you are also suffering from reflex, motor, and sensory loss as well. This is why it is essential that you seek a medical diagnosis and treatment. If you have strong medical evidence to support your claim—that your spinal disorder is preventing you from doing your job and making a living—it may qualify you to receive disability benefits.

With any claim for disability benefits, a Social Security examiner will review your medical records and refer to their list of impairments to determine if your condition qualifies for benefits under SSA’s guidelines. If your medical records and your paperwork support your claim, your disability benefits may be approved. However, many times claims are denied.

If your claim is denied, you should order a free copy of our book, Your Guide to the Social Security Appeals Process. In this book, you will get your questions answered and learn how to go about filing a Social Security Disability appeal to get the benefits you deserve.