How to Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits Due to a Bulging Disc

Anyone who has ever experienced a bulging disc understands just how debilitating this condition can be. Bulging discs, also known as herniated discs, occur due to pressure on an intervertebral disc that results in a protrusion from that disc. This condition may follow an injury, general wear and tear of the spine due to age, or degenerative disc disease. Regardless of the cause, suffering from a bulging disc may make it difficult or impossible for you to work. This places substantial financial strain on you and your family. Fortunately, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

Disability Benefits for Bulging Discs

Qualifying for Social Security disability benefits due to a bulging disc is not necessarily easy, but it can be done. To be eligible, you must demonstrate the following:

1. Your disability must have lasted, or be expected to last, a minimum of one year.
2. Your bulging disc must be so severe that you meet the requirements of the Social Security Administration’s disability listing for spinal disorders or back problems. You may meet one of these requirements if you have narrowing of the spine, pressure on spinal nerves from the bulging disc, or inflammation of a membrane that surrounds the spinal cord. You may also need to prove that your range of motion is limited, that your reflexes or sensations have decreased, or that you are suffering from muscle weakness.
3. If not, the bulging disc must be so severe that due to your age, education, and prior job skills, when combined with the functional limitations created by the injury, you cannot be expected to do your prior job or any other type of work.

Eligibility for Social Security disability benefits due to a bulging disc can be difficult to obtain because this type of injury often resolves itself within a year. In other cases, various back surgeries can be used to resolve the injury, including spinal fusions, laminectomies, or discectomies. The Social Security Administration allots 90 to 120 days for recovery from these surgeries, with few exceptions.

Since qualifying for Social Security disability benefits due to a bulging disc can be difficult, obtaining the guidance of an experienced attorney can greatly increase your chances for success. To learn more, we encourage you to start a live chat with us now or to call us directly at 800-800-6353.

by Paul B. Burkhalter
Managing Partner of Morgan & Weisbrod, Board Certified in Social Security Disability Law.

CONNECT WITH ME