Yes, a herniated disc is considered a disability by the SSA if you are unable to work for at least 12 months due to the condition. For the SSA to consider your herniated disc a disability, you will need to provide evidence that your herniated disc meets a Blue Book listing to qualify for disability benefits.
Is Herniated Disc a Permanent Disability? A severe herniated disc can be considered a disability and make you eligible for Social Security disability benefits if it meets the requirements in the Social Security Administration's Blue Book.
Patients with a herniated disc may be unable to work because of their condition and its related complications. Patients who find themselves unable to work due to their herniated disc may qualify for long term disability (LTD) benefits.
VA Disability Ratings for Herniated Discs
20% – Veterans who have had episodes that last for at least 2 weeks, but less than 4 weeks, in the past 12 months, may be able to qualify for this rating. 40% – Having episodes that last for at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks in the past 12 months.
Yes, you can qualify for long term disability benefits for degenerative disc disease. Long-term disability (LTD) benefits are an important part of any financial plan. These benefits provide a monthly payment of between 50 and 60% of your salary in the event that you are unable to work due to a disability.
You are unable to work or re-train. You must be able to show that your medical conditions stop you from: working for at least 15 hours a week, and. being trained to do a job you have not done before by doing, for example, an education course or on-the-job training.
In about a week, most patients are able to return to work; those with very physical jobs will need to wait until they have fully recovered, however. Full recovery usually occurs in about 8 weeks, and at that time patients can go about all their normal physical activities with no restrictions.
Living with a herniated disc
Your chances of getting better are good. Most people who have a herniated disc are better in about 4 weeks. Sometimes it takes longer. If you still have pain or numbness after 4 to 6 weeks, or if you feel worse, talk with your doctor.
The average amount of time it takes for a herniated disk to heal is four to six weeks, but it can get better within a few days depending on how severe the herniation was and where it occurred. The biggest factor in healing a herniated disk is time, because most often it will resolve on its own.
If you leave a herniated disc untreated, you may experience intense, sharp pains, partial paralysis, or the inability to control bowel movements in relatively dire situations.
While you might have limited mobility from your herniated disc, you might not be able to walk for long periods of time, pick up packages or stand in one place as needed. Though you might be able to do those things on a limited basis, you wouldn't be able to perform your job as required.
Prep your spine beforehand
If you're experiencing neck, mid back, or low back pain, any activity involving prolonged sitting will often worsen the pain. Furthermore, if you have a pre-existing disc herniation or disc bulge, prolonged sitting in the car can further exacerbate your condition.
But when it comes to claiming on insurance benefits held within your superannuation, often known as total and permanent disability (TPD), chronic pain can also be considered as a disability, particularly if it prevents you from returning back to work.
In general, your pension won't change if you work less than 30 hours per week and earn: Up to $180 per fortnight if you are single. Up to $320 per fortnight between you and your partner.
To obtain a 100% VA disability rating for a spinal problem, you'll need to show that your “entire spine is frozen in an unfavorable position.” Let's break this down a bit more: Entire spine: Both your lower and middle back (thoracolumbar spine) and your neck (cervical spine).
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, chronic back pain sufferers must prove they have a medically determinable impairment. Additionally, the impairment must last or be expected to last for a minimum of one year.
The impairment rating helps us assess if you meet the general medical rules for DSP. To meet these rules, you need to have either: an impairment rating of 20 points or more on a single Impairment Table. 20 points or more in total from across more than 1 Impairment Table and meet the Program of Support rules.
A herniated lumbar disc may be aggravated by specific activities such as bending forward, lifting heavy objects, pushing or pulling things, and coughing or sneezing.
The optimal sleeping position for a herniated disc is on your back. Lying on your back keeps your spine in a neutral position so you have less chance of pinching the nerve. For added comfort, nestle a small pillow or rolled-up towel under your knees and lower back.
The pain from a herniated disc usually is worse when you are active and gets better when you are resting. Coughing, sneezing, sitting, driving, and bending forward may make the pain worse. The pain gets worse when you make these movements because there is more pressure on the nerve.
Fortunately, surgery is not typically required for a herniated disc. In fact, only about 10 percent of herniated disc patients end up needing surgery, according to research cited by Harvard Health. This article explains what you need to know about herniated spinal discs, treatment, and surgery.