Herniated Disc (Herniated Nucleus Pulposus)
A herniated or slipped disc is a disc of the spine in which part of the inside has been pushed through a weakened part of the disc.
Symptoms of Herniated Disc
Usually a herniated disc causes chronic back or neck pain. This pain may be acute in nature. Depending on the location of the herniated disc and/or the severity of it, it may cause sciatica (pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg due to pressure on the sciatic nerve).
Causes of Herniated Disc
Herniated discs are often causes by injury or strenuous activity.
How does Social Security evaluate herniated discs?
Social Security may award your disability claim if you have a herniated disc that results in compromise of a nerve root in the spinal cord. This must be demonstrated by neuro-anatomic distribution of pain, limitation of motion of the spine, and motor loss accompanied by sensory or reflex loss. If the herniated disc is in the lower back, there must also be a positive straight-leg raising test, both while sitting and lying down.
A medical doctor must attest that the claimant meets all of these requirements.
If you do not meet the above requirements, your doctor may be able to attest to certain limitations your condition causes you, such as limits on how much weight you can lift, how far you can walk, how long you can stand or sit, and other functional assessments. If these restrictions are supported by medical records, you may be able to qualify for Social Security under Steps 4 & 5 of the sequential evaluation process.
What we can do for you:
With the rules being so particular in nature, you may find you do not quite meet the qualifications in Social Security’s evaluation. Or you may not be sure how to get the right information from your doctor.
Our Social Security disability team at Craig Swapp and Associates is well-versed in just what to do set up the best case possible for your disability. We analyze each case individually and implement a plan of attack to get your claim awarded. And if we don’t win your case, you pay us absolutely nothing.
This site contains information only. It is not medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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