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SSDI for Arthritis of the Neck (Spinal)

SSDI for Arthritis of the Spine

The Blue Book contains four listings that pertain to arthritis and its associated impairments, namely Listings 1.02, 1.03, 1.04, and 14.09.

If your arthritis has led to significant joint dysfunction in your spine, you may automatically qualify for disability benefits under 

Listing 1.02 by demonstrating that you have a joint deformity resulting in chronic stiffness and pain, limited flexibility, and loss of joint use. If you have undergone spinal fusion or a similar surgery and can no longer walk effectively on your own or are not expected to do so within a year, 

Listing 1.03 may apply to your situation. 

Listing 1.04 may be applicable if you suffer from arthritis of the spine, and you can show that your condition has led to nerve root compression, spinal arachnoiditis, or lumbar spinal stenosis. 

Finally, Listing 14.09 covers inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and requires you to provide medical evidence indicating extreme interference with your ability to walk, difficulty in caring for yourself, swelling or deformity of multiple joints, or ankylosing spondylitis.

- Swelling or deformity of your hip, knee, or ankle joints that significantly impairs your ability to walk on your own.
It is difficult to care for yourself and conduct normal activities if you have a problem with your shoulder, wrist/hand, or elbow.
- Swelling or deformity of your knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, ankle/foot, or wrist/hand due to an associated disease in at least two body systems or organs, one of which is impacted more than minimally, and at least two of the following symptoms: fever, weight loss, extreme weariness, or malaise.
- Ankylosing spondylitis is a condition in which the bones fuse together, resulting in fixation of the lower or upper spine and extremely restricted flexibility of the dorsolumbar or cervical spine at 45. 

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis that affects the spine, particularly the lower back. It is caused by normal wear and tear on the joints over time, resulting in the gradual breakdown of cartilage and leading to inflammation and pain. The pain is typically exacerbated when bending or twisting the back, as it involves mechanical injury.

If you have osteoarthritis of the spine, you may be eligible for disability benefits. Arthritis, being an inflammation of the joints, can be caused by various factors such as autoimmune disorders, bacterial or viral infections, obesity, fractures, or simply aging.

The Blue Book has four listings dedicated to arthritis and its associated impairments. These include Listings 1.02, 1.03, 1.04, and 14.09. Listing 1.02 requires proof of joint dysfunction that results in a deformity of the joint, preventing full use of the joint. Listing 1.03 applies to those who have undergone spinal surgery and are expected to require assistance walking for at least a year. Listing 1.04 applies to disorders of the spine, where arthritis affects a nerve root or the spinal cord, resulting in complications such as nerve root compression, spinal arachnoiditis, or lumbar spinal stenosis. Listing 14.09 covers inflammatory arthritis, where swelling or deformity in various joints causes severe interference with daily activities. To qualify for SSDI, you need sufficient work credits, while SSI is based on financial need.

Is Neck Arthritis a Disability?
The SSA may consider severe neck arthritis, also known as cervical spondylosis, to be a handicap. The Social Security Administration defines disability as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity due to a medically diagnosed physical or mental impairment that is expected to endure at least 12 months or result in death. According to the SSA rules, several neck ailments, including arthritis in the neck, qualify for disability compensation.

Despite the fact that neck arthritis is covered by Listing 1.15 in the SSA's Blue Book under disorders of the spine, the simplest approach to verify arthritis in the neck is to offer documentation.

The following are examples of test results:
- An X-ray to determine the alignment of the bones in your neck;
- An MRI scan, which produces clearer images of the soft tissues of the neck;
- A CT scan, which allows your doctor to see your spinal canal and any bone spurs; an electromyography (EMG), which analyses the electrical impulses of the muscles at rest and during contractions;
- A blood test may be ordered by your doctor to identify whether a rheumatoid factor or another antibody is causing your inflammatory arthritis.

Obtaining Disability Benefits
Although advanced stages of spine arthritis qualify as a qualifying diagnosis, you may require assistance in demonstrating your disability status to the Social Security Administration. If you are unable to fulfil the SSA's arthritis classification in the Blue Book, you must rely on an RFC analysis to qualify for payments. If you are unable to work due to spinal arthritis, you might consider applying for SSDI. You can begin the procedure right away.

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Friday, 29 March 2024