Spinal injuries or conditions can be debilitating, causing severe pain and restricting your ability to carry out everyday tasks or work.
If you suffer from one, you might look to claim Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Will it be straightforward? Are you automatically entitled to receive it?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers claims on a case-by-case basis
The SSA has a list of qualifying conditions in its Blue Book. You have a good chance of claiming if your condition is directly named. If it is not, that does not necessarily rule out your claim altogether. You may still qualify under a different section or find a way to show that your condition does debilitate you enough to warrant SSDI. Above all, the Blue Book is a guide.
For example, section 11.08 covers spinal cord disorders, but Multiple Sclerosis, which affects the spinal cord, is covered under a different section.
Regardless of whether the Blue Books specifically mentions your condition, you must meet the general requirements. That is to have paid enough work credits and that the condition prevents you from working (or will prevent you from working) for at least a year.
Even if you believe you meet all the conditions, these claims can be complex. The SSA rejects thousands of worthy claims each year because applicants did not complete the paperwork properly or show enough evidence to support their claims. Appropriate legal help to examine all your options for claiming and presenting evidence can increase your chance of success.