SSDI for Lumbar Radiculopathy

Lumbar radiculopathy, more commonly known as sciatica, can be extremely painful and debilitating. When it’s severe enough and expected to last for 12 months or more, it might qualify you for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. However, you must meet all of the criteria before you can receive SSDI for lumbar radiculopathy. Wondering if you qualify? Scroll down to find out.

What Is Lumbar Radiculopathy?

Lumbar radiculopathy is a condition that occurs when the nerve roots in the lumbar region of your spine are irritated or compressed. This can cause pain that radiates down your leg, numbness, weakness, and potential mobility problems.

Herniated discs are a common cause of sciatica. They occur when a spinal disc’s nucleus ruptures, causing the gel-like substance to protrude out and place pressure on nearby nerve roots. Other causes of lumbar radiculopathy include the following:

• Spinal stenosis
• Bone spurs
• Injuries
• Degenerative disc disease
• Other degenerative spine conditions
• Violence/trauma

Symptoms of Lumbar Radiculopathy

The symptoms of this condition vary based on the affected nerve root. The sciatic nerve is often affected, and symptoms may include the following:

• Tingling radiating down a leg
• Leg numbness/weakness
• Shooting pain

When you are diagnosed with lumbar radiculopathy, your treatment might include physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or pain relievers. If more conservative treatments are not effective, your doctor may recommend surgery.

Qualifying for SSDI Based on Lumbar Radiculopathy

To qualify for SSDI for lumbar radiculopathy, your condition must either meet a Blue Book listing or be severe enough to otherwise meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. It must also be expected to last for 12 or more months and prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity.

Lumbar radiculopathy is found in SSA’s Blue Book listing 1.15. To meet this listing, your condition must meet all the following criteria:

• Radicular (radiating) distribution of one or more of the following symptoms:
  • Pain
  • Muscle fatigue
  • Paresthesia
• Radicular distribution of neurological signs present during physical examination or on a diagnostic test and evidenced by (1) muscle weakness, (2) signs of nerve root compression, irritation, or tension, and either (3) sensory changes as evidenced by either decreased sensation or abnormal sensory latency as detected on diagnostic testing or (4) decreased reflexes of the deep tendon.
• Imaging test results indicating nerve root compression
• Impairment expected to last 12 or more months as evidenced by (1) a prescription for a walker, wheelchair, cane, or crutches, or (2) an inability to use one or both of your upper extremities to perform work.

Review the Blue Book listing for more details.

Qualifying for SSDI Without Meeting a Listing

It’s still possible to qualify for SSDI for lumbar radiculopathy if you don’t meet all of the listing criteria. To do so, you’ll need to present evidence showing that your condition is severe enough that it prevents you from performing any substantial gainful activity. In addition, you’ll need to undergo a Residual Function Capacity (RFC) assessment performed by a doctor.

Some types of evidence you might submit to prove the severity of your condition include the following:

• Diagnostic tests
• Doctors’ and nurses’ notes
• Statement from your doctor about how your condition affects you
• Statements from your former employer about how your condition prevents you from performing your job
• Evidence showing you’ve continued to see your doctor to treat your lumbar radiculopathy and have adhered to your treatment plan

Even if your condition is severe, it might not qualify for SSDI if you can perform any substantial gainful activity. The SSA will consider whether you can perform any type of work, including work that is dissimilar from what you’ve done in the past. The SSA will consider your condition, age, skills, work experience, and education.

Work Credits to Qualify

Over your career, you pay into Social Security through regular deductions from your paycheck or through paying self-employment taxes. You must have earned enough work credits to qualify for SSDI. The number of required work credits varies based on your age:

• Younger than 24: A minimum of six credits in the previous three years
• Ages 24 to 31: Earned work credits for at least 50 percent of the time since you turned 21
• Ages 31 and older: A minimum of 20 work credits earned in the previous 10 years

You earn a maximum of four work credits each year based on how much you earn.

If you don’t have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI, you might consider applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead. Consult an experienced disability lawyer to better understand your options.

Contact Our Disability Attorneys

If your sciatica is debilitating and prevents you from working, you might be eligible for SSDI for lumbar radiculopathy. At Ellis & Associates, we offer free consultations and can explain your legal rights and the claims process. Schedule an appointment today by calling 800-MR-ELLIS or sending us a message online.