A number of our Social Security Disability clients suffer from sciatica and other spinal disorders. Individuals suffering from this disorder experience cramping in the thigh and/or shooting pain from the buttock down the leg. The course of prescribed treatment can include anti-inflammatory medications including oral steroids or injections directly into the inflamed area.
Recently we have assisted individuals with sciatica in getting Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income. Their cases involved other severe spinal disorders as well. The sciatica was, therefore, considered in combination with their other disorders. Spinal conditions are common in Social Security Disability claims.
Three main spinal diseases are included in Social Security’s Listing of impairments. While sciatica is not recognized specifically, it may, in extreme and chronic cases, be equal in severity to one of the recognized spinal disorders, especially when considered in conjunction with other spinal conditions. A determination of “equivalency” to a Listing is one that requires medical judgment.
Regardless of the disease, you or your lawyer should have the following:
- a good working list of your symptoms,
- a knowledge of the degree of certainty of your diagnosis,
- a general understanding of the consistency between your symptoms and your diagnosis,
- a good understanding of what evidence might best support your contention that your symptoms are disabling, and
- which legal theory will most likely be accepted by the Social Security Administration given the particular facts of the entire case.
If you, or someone you know, is suffering from severe sciatica or other spinal disorder, consider contacting us for additional information on how your condition might be disabling under Social Security’s rules. If you are considering filing a Social Security Disability claim, we advise you to speak with an attorney. We handle cases throughout the state of Texas, but we are always happy to give you a referral if we are unable to assist you.
