For those with chronic pain, seeking out disability benefits is a common course of action. There are several medical conditions that cause chronic pain, including degenerative disk disease, diabetic neuropathy, and others. Chronic pain may also exist when there is not a single issue that can be the cause.
For those who may suffer from chronic pain without a defining condition, seeking a disability claim from Social Security may seem problematic.
How It Works
There are steps that Social Security uses to determine if disability benefits are to be granted. Each case however, is individually considered with the result determined by its merits.
No Gainful Employment: This means not being able to work at a job which requires eight-hour days, five days per week. Individuals who are not physically or mentally able to work that amount every week may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. You will need to be unable to perform at tasks that you had been doing for the past 10 to 15 years.
Severe Medical Impairment Causing Condition: If the impairment is deemed as “not severe”, then the disability benefits will be denied as it does not prevent the individual from being gainfully employed. The severity of your medical condition, particularly when it comes with chronic pain, must be properly evaluated.
Regulatory Requirements are Met: This means that the conditions affecting the individual meet the criteria set forth in the regulations and will last for at least 12 months. In cases of chronic pain, the source must be determined whether it comes from a specific disease or combination of conditions. Keep in mind that disability benefits may be temporary in nature and reapplication may be needed.
Confirmation Required: For example, If the individual suffers from arthritis which is causing the chronic pain, then that must be established to the court through X-rays. The same is true for any source that is causing the chronic pain to occur. Without some form of independent confirmation, it may not be possible to get disability benefits.
It is true that certain conditions which are difficult to properly diagnose may qualify as they inflict chronic pain on the individual. This includes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Interstitial Cystitis, and Fibromyalgia. If diagnosed with such issues or if there is constant, chronic pain associated with such conditions, then it is possible to get disability benefits.
Representation
It helps considerably if you have the proper representation by your side at disability hearings. They can offer you the right advice, help organize your case, and answer vital questions about the process. It has been shown that proper representation improves your chances of receiving disability benefits
If you are seeking disability benefits because of chronic pain and are out of work, disabled, have been denied disability benefits before, or just need some questions about the process of appeals, please call the Disability Help Group of Arizona at (888) 939-4692 or contact us through our website. We will answer your questions and if you desire, represent your case in court.