You may be eligible for disability benefits if your scoliosis makes it impossible for you to work, pain in your spine, unable to walk, or breathing difficulty. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has included scoliosis in the category of musculoskeletal system (listing 1.00) and connective tissues and is not mentioned in the SSA’s Blue Book listing. 

It is possible to get disability benefits for scoliosis if the disability has been expected to last for at least 12 months or more. Medical evidence, such as doctor’s reports, test results, and treatment records, supports the disability claim. The medical evidence must demonstrate that scoliosis impairs the person’s ability to perform work-related activities, even with reasonable accommodations. 

Suffering from more than one medical condition?  Arthritis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or back pain along with scoliosis? It may be easy for you to qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits.

What Is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a medical condition that involves an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine causing muscle weakness. Instead of a straight vertical alignment, there may be a side-to-side curve of the spine that is different from the natural front-to-back curve causing abnormal posture. 

This curvature can occur at any point along the spine and may be mild, moderate, or severe. Scoliosis can develop during childhood or adolescence (known as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis) or later in life due to degenerative changes (known as degenerative scoliosis). Treatment for scoliosis may be physical therapy, surgery, and braces.

Scoliosis is related to several types of disabilities, such as postural issues, chronic pain disorders, depression, anxiety, and mobility disability. Furthermore, these can affect an individual’s physical functioning and overall well-being.

Types Of Scoliosis

There are several types of scoliosis based on different factors, including the age of onset, cause, and structural characteristics. The main types of scoliosis include:

  • Idiopathic Scoliosis
  • Congenital Scoliosis
  • Neuromuscular Scoliosis
  • Degenerative Scoliosis
  • Functional Scoliosis

Symptoms Of Scoliosis

The symptoms of scoliosis can vary depending on the severity of the curvature. Common signs and symptoms may include:

  • Uneven Shoulders: One shoulder may appear higher than the other.
  • Asymmetric Waist: The waist may look uneven or have prominence on one side.
  • Uneven Hips: One hip may appear higher or more prominent than the other.
  • Leaning to One Side: The body may tilt to one side when standing.
  • Back Pain: Some individuals may experience mild to severe back pain, particularly in the lower back.
  • Limited Mobility: Reduced range of motion or difficulty bending or twisting.
  • Changes in Gait: An altered walking pattern may be present.
  • Cosmetic Changes: Clothing may not fit evenly, and the overall appearance of the torso may be affected.

Is Scoliosis A Disability?

Scoliosis may or may not be considered a disability depending on the severity of the physical and functional limitations. Some physical limitations for spine disorders are long-term pain while standing or sitting that restricts mobility. If the disability is mild, it will not be considered for the benefits whereas if the effects are traumatic, it may be considered as a disability. 

In the United States, scoliosis may qualify as a disability for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits if it meets the criteria set by the SSA. 

The SSA evaluates the severity of the condition and its impact on an individual’s ability to work and perform substantial gainful activity when determining eligibility for disability benefits.

Questions You Must Answer Before Applying For Disability Benefits

Some helpful questions that may help you speed up your application procedure are as follows:

  • Is your scoliosis showing severe symptoms or not?
  • Whether you are suffering from long-term scoliosis disability? 
  • Are you facing any spinal disorders along with scoliosis?
  • Does your scoliosis prevent you from sitting, walking, or standing?
  • Are you facing other disabling conditions along with scoliosis? 
  • Do you have relevant medical documentation?
  • Are you getting medical treatment on a regular basis?
  • Are you prepared for the timeline of the process?

What Types Of Disability Benefits Can You Apply For?

There are two types of disability benefits for which you can apply for:

  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) 
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 

They both are government programs that provide support to Americans who are unable to work due to their severe medical condition. Some people may qualify for both while most people may be eligible for either of the two instead of both. SSDI is beneficial for individuals who have worked for at least 5 of the 10 years and are paying their taxes. 

On the other hand, SSI is beneficial for those who have low-income resources and assets such as property and savings. Both the programs comprise health insurance such as Medicaid for SSI and Medicare for SSDI. 

What Are The Different Mediums To Apply For The Scoliosis Disability Benefits?

To apply for scoliosis disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA), there are three main mediums available:

  • Online: You can apply for disability benefits through the SSA’s official website. The online application is secure and convenient, allowing you to complete and submit your disability application from the comfort of your home.
  • Phone: If you prefer to apply over the phone, call the SSA’s toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak to a representative who will assist you with the application process.
  • In-Person: If you prefer a face-to-face interaction or need assistance completing the application, you can visit your local Social Security office to apply in person. The SSA representative at the office will guide you through the application process and answer any questions you may have.

SSA’s Eligibility Criteria For Getting Disability With Scoliosis

To prove to the SSA that you are eligible to get the disability benefits, you need to prove that your scoliosis is severe and long-lasting. There must be medical evidence and other records that will help to prove that your disability prevents you from working. 

The medical evidence may include the following:

  • Treating doctor’s prescription
  • Medical records showing how you are responding to medications and treatment
  • Detailed notes showing how scoliosis is impacting your day-to-day activities
  • Imaging tests results

Other additional factors may include:

  • Your scoliosis prevents you from walking for a longer time
  • You are struggling to stand up or sit for a long time
  • Unable to perform daily activities as your scoliosis limits your capability
  • Your disability is limiting your motion range
  • You are consulting a spine specialist, chiropractor, pain management specialist, or physical therapist to treat your scoliosis
  • Use of assistive devices such as braces or require any specific injections or therapy
  • Your condition requires spinal fusion surgery 

What Happens If Your Scoliosis Meets The Criteria Of The SSA?

If you meet the SSA eligibility criteria you must apply as soon as possible. 

  • You must apply if you have been diagnosed with scoliosis and your symptoms are making it impossible for you to engage in work. 
  • You must wait and apply later if you are still working and your symptoms of scoliosis are mild or moderate which will improve with regular medical treatment.
  • You must not apply if you are earning at least or more than $1,550 per month, your scoliosis disorder is being managed by the treatment and you are working. 

What Happens If Your Scoliosis Doesn’t Meet The Criteria?

If you think you are not meeting the criteria mentioned in the Blue Book of the SSA, you may still apply by consulting a disability lawyer. They may help you gather the necessary documentation and other additional information to prove your condition before the SSA. 

If your initial application gets denied, you may file an appeal. An estimated 80% of the applications get denied during the initial phase. Therefore, if you work with a legal professional it may increase your chances of getting approved for the benefits. 

How To Effectively Apply For SSDI With Scoliosis?

When a claimant applies for SSA disability benefits suffering from scoliosis, they need to fill out a detailed application form and then submit medical documentation that will confirm that they have scoliosis. Some examples of medical evidence include the following:

  • X-rays
  • Surgical treatment records
  • Medications and medical treatments a claimant has received and response to them
  • Receipts for assistive devices to handle the disability

The healthcare professional will fill the residual functional capacity for (RFC). The SSA will analyze whether your scoliosis will prevent your capability to work. They will also consider if the claimant has transferable skills which makes changing jobs a possibility or not.

Dealing with denials: Next steps to take

One of the easiest ways to request an appeal will be to submit the request online. Mostly, the SSA denies 90.8% of reconsideration applications. The claimants will schedule a hearing if they reach this stage. The lawyer will make the process easier during the appeal and hearing stages. They will help to collect all the necessary evidence that will strengthen your claim. If you are rejected for disability claim at the hearing stage, the next step will be to make a federal court appeal.

You need to consult your attorney when your application gets denied as they will help in making your disability process easier. Always remember the SSA has zero limits on the number of times a claimant can apply for the benefits. 

The Role Of Legal Assistance In Securing Disability Benefits

A Social Security Disability Attorney will play a vital role in pursuing benefits by including the following:

  • Filling out applications: They will help you fill out the disability applications for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) on your behalf.
  • Gathering evidence: An attorney will help to collect medical evidence and other records that will strengthen your claim.
  • Reviewing applications: Your lawyer will help to review the application for any mistakes that could prevent you from getting the benefits.
  • Attending meetings: A lawyer can help you in meetings held with the officials of the Social Security Administration.

What Is The Disability Check For Scoliosis?

The Scoliosis disability check may vary depending on the type of disability benefits. If an individual applies for SSDI, they will get $3,822 every month in 2023, whereas, for SSI, an individual will get $943 every month. 

How can a disability lawyer help in the appeal process?

The appeals process can be complex and daunting when your claim is initially denied. A Social Security Disability Lawyer can be crucial to appeal a denied scoliosis disability application. 

They will review your denial letter, assess the reasons for the denial, and work with you to gather additional medical evidence or any missing documentation that can strengthen your case. With their expertise, they can present a compelling argument to the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) and represent you at the hearing, increasing the chances of a favorable decision.