Can Spinal Stenosis qualify for SS Disability Benefits?
Author Attorney Greg Reed:
Updated: 1/3/2025
Can I get disability benefits if I am suffering from the effects of Spinal Stenosis?
First you must meet the SSA’s financial requirement:
You must have worked long enough, recently enough, and not made over a predetermined level of income.
Second you must meet the medical requirements:
The SSA does not specifically mention cervical spinal stenosis in its Blue Book, but it does have a listing for lumbar spinal stenosis, Section 1.16.
To qualify under listing 1.16, you must have ALL of the following:
- One sign of neurological compromise in the cauda equina (such as non-radiating distribution of pain in a leg or foot)
- A diagnostic test or clinical exam showing nonradicular neurological signs of muscle weakness and sensory changes.
- An MRI, CT scan or other imaging, or in an operative report showing compromise of the cauda equina with lumbar spinal stenosis.
- Physical limitation of musculoskeletal functioning related to lumbar spinal stenosis that has lasted, or is expected to last at least 12 months, and medical documentation of at least one of the following:
- A documented medical need for a walker, bilateral canes or crutches or a wheelchair or scooter that involves the use of both hands; OR
- An inability to use one hand and need to use the other to operate a one-handed wheelchair, cane, crutch, or other device.
And
You will need to provide detailed medical records to the Social Security Administration.
Spinal Stenosis and qualifying for disability benefits
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces within the spine narrow, putting pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. As we age, the incidence of spinal stenosis increases. About 21% of individuals over 60 show signs of lumbar (lower back) stenosis and many more have cervical (neck) stenosis. Cervical spinal stenosis impacts about 1 in 100,000 people, while lumbar spinal stenosis affects around 5 in 100,000. It’s just part of getting older, especially for those over 50. This condition affects between 250,000 and 500,000 people in the U.S.
Functional challenges related to Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis can significantly impact a person’s daily life in a number of ways, including:
- Chronic back pain that radiates to other parts of the body. Pain can be constant or intermittent, and symptoms are often worse when standing or walking.
- Mobility issues that make it difficult to walk, especially uphill or on uneven ground. People with spinal stenosis may also have difficulty with balance and may walk in a more halting manner.
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs, feet, hands, or arms, making fine motor skills, such as writing or buttoning a shirt, difficult to perform.
- Bowel and bladder problems, such as constipation, incontinence, or difficulty urinating.
- Fatigue and difficulty sleeping due to pain and discomfort.
- Exercise like running or jumping may be impossible, but low-impact exercise like swimming or cycling can help.
Any of these symptoms can easily affect an individual’s daily routine and prevent them from working.
Can Spinal Stenosis qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?
The SSA does not specifically mention cervical spinal stenosis in its Blue Book, but it does have a listing for lumbar spinal stenosis, Section 1.16.
However, qualifying for disability under this impairment is complicated, and an applicant should ask their doctor to help them determine if they meet the criteria.
To qualify based soling on this listing, you must have ALL of the following:
- One sign of neurological compromise in the cauda equina.
- Nonradicular (non-radiating) distribution of pain in a leg or foot; OR
- Nonradicular distribution of sensory loss in a leg or foot; OR
- Neurogenic claudication (intermittent leg pain).
- A diagnostic test or clinical exam showing non radicular neurological signs of muscle weakness and sensory changes evidenced by one of the following:
- Decreased sensation; OR
- Sensory nerve deficit on electrodiagnostic testing; OR
- Lack of reflexes, trophic ulceration, bladder or bowel incontinence; OR
- Decreased deep tendon reflexes in one or both lower extremities.
- An MRI, CT scan, other imaging, or an operative report showing compromise of the cauda equina with lumbar spinal stenosis.
- Physical limitation of musculoskeletal functioning related to lumbar spinal stenosis that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months, and medical documentation of at least one of the following:
- A documented medical need for a walker, bilateral canes or crutches, or a wheelchair or scooter that involves the use of both hands; OR
- An inability to use one hand and need to use the other to operate a one-handed wheelchair, cane, crutch, or other device.
This can be:
AND
AND
AND
You will need to provide detailed medical records to Social Security, including:
- Notes from a detailed medical exam (including testing of reflexes and muscle strength);
- Medications you are taking and side effects;
- Treatments such as physical therapy and steroid injections;
- Results of MRIs and CT scans;
- Doctors’ notes regarding your physical limitations, such as whether you need a cane or how long you are able to stand.
If you can walk without assistance, you will not automatically qualify for SSDI.
Instead, the Social Security Administration will perform a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment to determine how spinal stenosis impacts your ability to carry out any type of full-time job and perform your daily activities. They will examine your imaging results and medical records, focusing on your physician’s notes regarding your functional limitations to ascertain whether your spinal stenosis hinders your capacity to work. Additionally, Social Security will take into account your age, educational background, and work skills. Individuals over 50 with limited transferable skills and less education are more likely to be approved.
“Once Social Security determines the limitations caused by your condition, they will employ a vocational expert to assess whether a person with these limitations is employable. Most vocational experts will find a person to be unemployable if their condition or the treatment rendered for the condition causes the person to regularly be absent two or more days a month or be “off-task” 15% or more of the workday.”
You may also be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits if your stenosis, combined with the effects of other medical conditions, severely limits your ability to function in the work environment or leads to absences or time off task such that you are no longer employable.
Herniated discs, rheumatoid arthritis, and bladder problems often accompany spinal stenosis. One disorder by itself may not meet the criteria of an impairment as stated in Social Security’s Blue Book, but if you have more than one medical condition, Social Security must consider how these combined health issues limit your ability to hold a job and perform necessary daily tasks.
The Social Security Administration updated its listings for Musculoskeletal Disorders in April 2021, making it more difficult to qualify for disability benefits related to these conditions.
Nevertheless, individuals with spinal stenosis not meeting a listing may still qualify for Social Security Disability Income benefits; however, it is essential for your healthcare providers to produce the necessary medical documentation regarding all of your functional limitations and restrictions. For example, even if your stenosis does not limit you to a walker or wheelchair and you can use your hands but need multiple bathroom breaks throughout the day, you may be off-task too much to be employable in the competitive work economy. An experienced Social Security Disability attorney can assist you by evaluating how your limitations and restrictions combine to render you unemployable, contacting your physician for documentation, and compiling all necessary information to facilitate a successful claim.
Citations:
HealthLine
The Mayo Clinic
WebMD
The SSA 1.00-Musculoskeletal Listing
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Disability Benefits FAQs
Social Security has some basic financial requirements.
Before you are eligible for Social Security disability benefits, you must satisfy some basic financial requirements. You must: 1) have a disability that has lasted or is expected to last 12 months; and 2) you must have worked in a job where you paid Social Security taxes long enough and recently enough; and 3) you must not earn more than Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), which is $1,620 per month in 2025 for nonblind applicants and $2,700 per month for blind applicants.
Basic SSDI Requirements –>
You may also be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits if you have another medical condition.
One disorder alone may not meet the criteria of an impairment as stated in Social Security’s Blue Book, but if you have more than one medical condition, Social Security must consider how those health issues combined limit your ability to hold a job and perform necessary daily tasks.
Disability for Multiple Impairments –>
If you are 55 or older or have another medical condition you may get approval.
Applicants who are 55 or older often fall under a grid rule, which means they are not expected to learn a new job.
Disability for those over 55 –>
You may also be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits if you have another medical condition.
One disorder alone may not meet the criteria of an impairment as stated in Social Security’s Blue Book, but if you have more than one medical condition, Social Security must consider how those health issues combined limit your ability to hold a job and perform necessary daily tasks.
Disability for Multiple Impairments –>
Should you file a claim?
If you believe that you meet Social Security’s medical and financial requirements, you should apply for benefits. If you are still unsure or would like to talk to someone, please contact us at 512-454-4000. We are always ready to take your call and discuss your options with you free of charge. We are happy to help folks just like you find the best solution for their personal situation.
How do I file for Social Security Disability benefits?
Once you have decided to file a claim, you can take the first step and apply for Social Security Disability benefits in person at your local Social Security Administration office, online, or over the phone.
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Appealing denied benefits
Most who file are denied initially. That doesn’t mean you won’t qualify; you just need to file an appeal.
There are four steps to the Social Security appeal process.
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Do I need a disability attorney for SSDI?
You may certainly file a claim on your own, but evidence shows that your chances for approval are increased significantly if you have legal representation.
Do I need an SSDI attorney–>
What if I don’t qualify for SSDI?
If you haven’t worked long enough to earn enough work credits, or if you earn too much income, you may be eligible for disability benefits through another Social Security program, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or from a long-term disability insurance plan through your employer or a privately purchased policy.
What is Supplemental Security Income or SSI?–>
I have long-term disability insurance – should I file a claim?
Absolutely – you should file a claim as soon as you become disabled.
LTD Disability Appeals Process–>
Disability benefits are an important source of income for those who are unable to work. If you are not able to work due to accident or illness, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability or Long Term Disability benefits. If you have applied for benefits and been denied, contact the attorneys at Bemis, Roach and Reed for a free consultation. Call 512-454-4000 and get help NOW.
Author: Attorney Greg Reed has been practicing law for 29 years. He is Superlawyers rated by Thomson Reuters and is Top AV Preeminent® and Client Champion Gold rated by Martindale Hubbell. Through his extensive litigation Mr. Reed obtained board certification from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Greg is admitted to practice in the United States District Court – all Texas Districts and the United States Court of Appeals-Fifth Circuit. Mr. Reed is a member of the Travis County Bar Association, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, past Director of the Capital Area Trial Lawyers Association, and an Associate member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Mr. Reed and all the members of Bemis, Roach & Reed have been active participants in the Travis County Lawyer referral service.
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