Social-Security-Disability-Forum: Back Problems

Back Problems

Social-Security-Disability-Forum » Back Problems

If you want to describe your situation and ask if you might have a disability claim, scroll to the bottom of this screen until you see a box, and tell us about yourself there.

Most people don't notice the following, so I am going to start making it in larger and larger type until most people start following the suggestions. If you are the sort of person who reads instructions, I apologize:
If you want a high quality answer, please be sure to include these facts about yourself:
1. Age.
2. Grade you finished in school.
3. The sort of work you have done.
4. What your diagnoses are; that is, what problems the doctor says you have.
5. What limitations you have because of your problems. This means what you cannot do at work because of your problems. Problems standing, sitting, using your hands, concentrating should be mentioned, as well as any problems attending work because of any psychological condition.
6. Your city and state.
7. Any other information that you believe is relevant.
8. Your specific question.

Author

Message

Betty Quibodeaux

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Posted on Tuesday, March 20, 2001 - 6:07 am:

Hi, I am 43 and i live in Louisiana. I was rear-ended in 8-99. The car that hit me shoved me into the car in front of me. I was at a red light. In March of 2000 i kept hurting so they did an MRI and this is what they found. First, the wreck activated osteoarthritis and i have been on celebrex since March. The study demonstrates reversal of the normal lorkosis. Multilevel degenerative disc disease from L2 through L4 and Schmorl's nodes. L1-L2: Osteophytes, faucet hypertrophy, central disc bulging and reversal ot the normal lordotic curvature causing borderline to mild AP spinal stenosis. L2-L3 Small right paracentral protusion and osteophyte formation causing mild spinal stenosis and right sided neural foraminal narrowing. L3-L4 Osteophytes and central disc bulging with borderline spinal stenosis and mild left sided neural foraminal narrowing, largely secondary to bony hypertrophy. Incidtal note is made of a hemangioma of L3. L4-L5: Osteophytes and central disc bulging w/o stenosis or neural foraminal narrowing. L5-S1 Same as L4-L5. The doctor says i am not disabled. I hurt all the time. He says it is from the arthritis. I was working as a cashier but i can't stand up for long periods of time anymore. What do you think i should do. In the upper MRI i have 2 ruptured disc in my neck. Surgery isn't needed at this time. I am trying to learn to live with pain. Can you advise me. Thankyou for your help.

admin

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Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2001 - 12:42 pm:

Betty: You need a local lawyer! See the top of this page for suggestions about how to get one. Best of luck.

Tom Lovelace

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Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2001 - 7:02 am:

I am 27 years old & a high school graduate. I have previously worked in maunal labor type jobs(landscaping, well drilling). I have multiple ruptured discs in my lower back and have had one surgery to relieve severe leg pain. After the surgery in 1999 I went back to work and started having more problems in Sept. of 2000 and have not worked since. The MRI showed 4 ruptured discs, one severly ruptured. Doctors have told me they cannot help me by surgery. I am in constant pain and have to take pain medication every 4 hours. I am also being treated for depression. I have been denied SSD benefits twice and I am now in the process of the reconsideration. I will probably get an attorney. Any comments from you are appreciated.

Paul McChesney

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Posted on Friday, March 30, 2001 - 5:32 am:

Tom: At your age I would get an attorney, and a good one. Claims can be difficult for the young. With your back I would certainly file. Make sure your doctor is backing you. See the begining of this section for how to do that. Good luck!

Mike Brown

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Posted on Wednesday, June 20, 2001 - 4:52 pm:

I am 52 years old now, high school grad.and worked in a auto factory only in my life. I had 1st back surgery in
1996. I was a auto plant production worker. I got worse after surgery and in 1997 had a L4-L5---L5-S1 fusion with BAK cages. I applied for SS and went before the judge in 1999. The judge ruled I was disabled for 2 years and set a date of Dec. 1999 as being able to return to gainful work. My company retired me on medical in 1998. I appealed to the Appeals Council and they remanded it back to the judge stating that there was no medical evidence to say I could work on the date she said. I have since had another disk surgery at C6-C7 and Nuerologist states I have 3 other herniated disks in my neck that will probably require surgery and fusion in the future. The new judge has set me up with a SS doctor for a eveluation next week. I can hardly get around, can not sleep, and am really depressed. How does a Remand to a judge help my chances of getting SS again. All this might not make sence but my mind can not communicate to my fingers like it use to.

From Paul:

David, it sounds to me as if you should be found disabled, but I cannot be sure without seening all of the medical records. A judge will often rule based on some piece of paper you have never seen. I would get an attorney who does a lot of this to help you.

Good luck.

Teresa K.

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Posted on Saturday, June 23, 2001 - 7:26 am:

I am 42 yrs old and live in the state of SC. I have worked most of my life. Last Year I had trouble with my back at a few days I couldn't walk, sleep or do anything. This year I found a new doctor to go to and he did a MRI on me. The MRI shows I have arthritis from my L2-L5, plus my S1 is narrowing where my spinal cord ends causing numbness 24/7 in my lower exteremities. Would it be hard for me to try disability. The only surgery will be if it comes down to a complete emergency surgery. I cannot lift, bend, push or pull on anything.

Reply by Paul:

You might have a claim; it depends on your age, education and work experience, as well as your imparimet. You must have a doctor who will back you up, and at your age I would get a lawyer right away. You should work, or file, or in some cases do both. You should never do neither.

Lisa Ewing

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Votes: 1 (Vote!)

Posted on Wednesday, August 01, 2001 - 5:15 pm:

I live in Illinois I`m 28 years old and have had the same job for 5 years and worked constantly since age 16. I had a bad auto wreck in May 2000. Since then I have been in constant and severe neck and back pain and unable to work. My doctor recently discovered I have degenerating dics disease in two levels of my back and space is narrowing between my bones he also feels that dds is also what is causing my neck pain. I also have a number of dics bulges and tears in both areas. My doctor wants me to try vocational retraining but because of such great pain all the time in standing, sitting, laying, and everything I do , I`m not sure I will ever be able to hold another job. I have a 5 year old daughter and no income to support her I am getting ready to file bankruptcy and move back in with my parents.Is there some hope for me. Thank you for your help. Help Me PLEASE!!! I am currently married but my husband is not currently making enough to support us he is recently recovering from back surgery.

Reply by Paul: You have a chance if you can prove the severity of your condition. It will be harder to win since you are young. Get a lawyer right now, and a good one. There are some excellent Social Security attorneys in Illinois.

kenny smith

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Posted on Tuesday, August 28, 2001 - 11:26 am:

I am 38 with a high school education and a diploma as an acct. clerk from a vocational. tech. school. I been in the work force for 20 yrs. I been having back,leg and neck pain and problems for over a 1 yr. and haven't worked since this happen. I've had steroid injections, also taking vicodine,skelaxin,remeron for depression/anxeity. I've also had mri,ct/myleogram test done and the doctor diagnose me as having a pinch nerve due to a disc which is causing me a lot of leg pain and also my lower back is unstable due to an accident and a strain neck. My doctor recommends that have lower back surgery for both problems which should be coming up in a couple of weeks. He says I want be able to return to work. My question is do I need to file for a disability claim now.

Reply by Paul Well, you might. It can take a year and a half to get to a hearing, and there is a chance that you might not recover enough to work. If you file now, while you are recovering, your hearing date will be coming up, slowly. You should try to return to work, of course. Good luck with your surgery.

Robert LaGrange

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Posted on Tuesday, November 27, 2001 - 5:19 pm:

I am a 35 year old male that does plumbing work and has done this type of work for about 11 years. I had back surgery last December for a herniated disk and just found out today from the surgeon that I am going to have to have surgery again for a colapsed disk, plus I have severe degenerative disk disease in my spine. What I would like to know is, with all these problems, what are my chances of getting disability? Today at the surgeon's office, he wrote a paper for me to be out of work until further notice from him.
Also, I would like to know if there are any type of programs that can help me financially until I can hopefully get on disability. I live in western NC.

Reply by Paul On the one hand, 35 is young to get disabilty; on the other hand a second back operation is serious news.

You hope that you recover, but cannot know that you will.

In case you don't recover, file a claim; it takes many, many months to get to a hearing, the third level, and it is unusual for someone so young to get an award before then. You can't know whether by then you will have recovered, so that the only rational step is to file just in case.

In case you do recover, make it your current job to try to identify and qualify yourself for work that doesn't strain that back of yours.

Whether there are other programs to help get you by depends upon your county. Please let me know, and I might be able to suggest what might be available. It is helpful if you will put your email address in the blank; that way I can respond directly as well as on this page.

I personally handle cases in Western North Carolina; give me a phone call at 1 800 775 3985 and I will help all I can. Take care and good luck.

t.latin

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Posted on Friday, December 28, 2001 - 7:55 pm:

i'm a 34 year old women my doctors say that i have a herniated disk that is on the left hand side and is pitching off nerves to the left arm i get bad headaches my neck stiffens up and i can't move for days my doctor wants me sign up for ssi he says i need surgry

Paul McChesney (Admin)

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Posted on Friday, January 11, 2002 - 5:09 am:

If you are so impaired that you cannot move for days, that is, you could not even go in and attend the most sedentary work, and you can get a doctor to say that, and no other doctor that they might send you to disagrees, then you might be successful at a Social Security Disability or SSI claim. Take care.

Bob Johnson

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Posted on Thursday, March 14, 2002 - 12:58 pm:

I am a 42 year old male, live in south carolina. Have paid taxes since i was 12 years old.I've worked as a machinist since 1979.Have had 4 ruptured lumbar disk surgiers in the past 4 years.Surgreon says i am setting myself up for a major problem in the future!Do i qulify for ssd.
I don't want to end up not being able to walk or in pain the rest of my life.

Paul McChesney (Admin)

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Posted on Saturday, March 16, 2002 - 6:18 am:

Bob, 4 back surgeries is a lot, especially for someone who makes his living in part with his back. Most folks with that many back surgeries have a good chance at a disability claim. Make sure your doctors plan to support you, and if you find you cannot work, file a claim.

Dan Griner

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Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 4:53 pm:

I am 52 year old male and have had 3 back surgeries one with fusion of 2 levels. I have only worked in the same line of work (auto Assembly plant). I live in Ok. When I went to the judge I was given 2 years of benefits and the judge gave a date and said I was able to work at that time. I was 49.6 years old then. I appealed to the appeals council and after a year they remanded it back to the judge saying they agreed I was disabled but could find no medical evidence to support the decision of being able to work as of a certain date. They said they vacated the decision pertaining to being able to go back to work on account of no medical evidence suppoting it. This has been 2 years since they remanded it back. Could you tell me what vacated the decision means and if you think I have a good chance of winning this time....I check your forum every day and think you are doing a great job.....Thanks

Paul McChesney (Admin)

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Posted on Saturday, March 02, 2002 - 5:36 am:

You certainly have a serious claim. As to the exact status of your claim, I would be afraid to guess why nothing has been done, or what the best steps for you would be right now. But with as much time as has passed, perhaps you need to act. If you have an attorney, sit down and talk with him. If you do not, get one. Your situation is too complex to handle on your own. And as to whether you might win, that depends on all the facts and the medical evidence. Take care and good luck.

TERRY HUGHES

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Posted on Monday, May 20, 2002 - 2:26 pm:

im a 29 year old with 2 herniated disk,i had
surgery on one disk.the other remains.
i took a emg,and it prooves i have a pinched
nerves in my back.i have had epederalls and
other shots.i have severe pain in my back,hip
and leg.the doctor said it might not ever get better.so i filled for ssd.i was denied,because
the docter told them it should be better
within a year.it has already been a year and three months.im on workers comp,they are
trying to find a job for me.the restrictions
are no prolonged stannding,sitting,squatting,
or lifting over thirty pounds.the docter
told me that there was nothing else he could do.
now he says he could try a fushion.
im still having a lot of pain.
do i qualify for disabiity. terry hughes

TERRY HUGHES

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Posted on Monday, May 20, 2002 - 2:45 pm:

p.s i have a 15%disability
terry hughes

Paul McChesney (Admin)

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Posted on Wednesday, May 22, 2002 - 5:04 pm:

Terrry, you are young to get disability, but you have a serious condition. You should definitely appeal your case; and since you have been turned down once by yourself, you should get an attorney. Take care and good luck.

bill sims

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Posted on Tuesday, July 02, 2002 - 3:20 am:

i am 58 on workers comp since 3 01 had alaminoctomy to releve leg pain 4 01 did not work after another mri i had a spinal leak emg showed pinched nerve disc o gram showed i needed a 3 level fusion had 3 level fusion 10 01 3 metal cages and tituiam bars and screws then got infection and back in surgery 11 01 been on antiobotics and must keep taking them until my next surgery 11 02 i was cut in the front and back for this surgery my doctor said i will have phicial therpry in 2003 i still have severe leg and back pain applied for ssd with heari8ng coming up soon with alg my dr siad i will never work again and will problel give me 100% dis workers compi retired from my job 33 years what are my chances of geting ssd

bill sims

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Posted on Wednesday, July 03, 2002 - 3:45 am:

waiting for answer for bill sims question live in calif. high school grad same job 33 years. sitting standing walking causes pain. dr said my hardware must come out because that is causing my infection. have two doctors, one for the infection one that did the surgery. he said if i need more bone fused he will do that at time he takes bars out in oct this year. he said i will have several months of phisical therepy but i still wont be able to work again.the tituim cages stay in me i hope my infection wont continue because of the cages i have been on two types of antiobotis since dec 2001.

Paul McChesney (Admin)

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Posted on Saturday, July 20, 2002 - 10:07 am:

Bill, your sitiuation sounds pretty severe. Of course it is impossible to say what your medical records look like for sure, and for that reason you need to get an attorney. Take care.

Robert G.

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Posted on Thursday, August 21, 2003 - 10:11 am:

I have recently been dx. with degenerative disc disease. My cat. scan shows hypertrophic facet and ligament changes at L3-4, a right paracentral disc at L4-5, and a broad based disc at L5-S1. Bone scan showed degenerative changes in my cervical and lumbar spine, knees and feet.
I am a 48 year old male living in lynchburg virginia my work history is over 25 years of heavy retail stock work, my education is only 10th grade of high school. I am no longer able to lift anything heavy or bend and twist, unable to sleep more than a couple of hours due to pain and twitching off legs and back.
I think I might have a worse injury but I am unable to see anymore DRs. for tests due to not being able to afford them, I have applied for social security 3/01/03 but have not recieved any notice as of yet.
Please let me know if You think I have a good case and also if you can refer me to a good lawyer for my case. That you for your help.

Robert

Paul McChesney (Admin)

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Posted on Saturday, August 23, 2003 - 6:46 am:

Robert, you certainly have a shot at a disability claim. I would suggest looking in your local phone book and calling all of the attorneys that seem to emphasize Social Security law, and hiring the one that seems to talk the most sense. Take care and good luck.

John P. Jones

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Posted on Sunday, February 01, 2004 - 10:52 am:

I'm a 49 year old male. I had the disc at l4-l5 taken out in 1996. I am having the disc at c4-c5 removed this week. My job requires that I be able to lift 50-75lbs on a regular basis. I don't believe I can do this anymore. My question at this time is: How do I (if I can) get listed as disabled in SC and secondly, what retraining opportunities are available in SC?

Paul McChesney (Admin)

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Posted on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 6:49 pm:

John, I doubt you will be able to do that sort of work once your disk is removed. If you can transfer skills to a lighter job, of course that would be best. If you cannot, the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department would be a good first place to look for retraining. While you are being retrained, or if it fails, a disability claim might be something you must consider.

robyn fitzgerald

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Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 5:11 pm:

I am in the process of applying for social securtiy disability benifits. I am 47yrs old female and a mother of two teenage children. Twenty years ago I had a slip and fall injury and received a neck fusion at c3-c4 for instibility. After surgery and phyical thearpy I was awarded a 23% disability rating through SIIS.

I have worked in the gaming industry full time for the past nine years. I am a dealer and work with my hands and my math skills. I have no education but a high school diploma. When I went through rehab 20 years ago I quit school within 5 credits of graduating business school because I was a mess phyically due to the 100 mile drive and the excellerated time frame of the program. I went to business school because SIIS thought that dealing was not a good thing for my neck. I worked for less than a year ( 9 mo.) in a business setting and was fired for sick time. I found that being at the typewriter and doing paper work very hard on me just as school was.

I then had two miricle children. When my children became 4 and 6 I went back to the casinos to work full-time. My employer knew about my neck problems and were really very good to me. I was able to be laid off during our slow times. I was able to leave early when business allowed etc. The past 2-3 yrs. of my employment I began to go down health wise pretty fast. I went to a slower shift went down to 4 days along with the perks mentioned above .

In June of last year I had to quit work because of severe neck pain. I had surgery in Oct. 2002. I had a total reconstruction of the neck for c3-c6. The diagnosis was degenitive disk disease with severe instibility. It is now ten months after surgery and my pain level has not decreased. I have lost alot of movement in my neck. I cannot move my neck up, down, around, to the left. I have about 75% movement to the right. I have chronic neck pain, migraine headaches, pain in my shoulders and my arms and hands. This numbness comes and goes depending upon what I am doing. I have chronic fatigue due to my constant pain. I have dissyness or vertigo if I lean to far forward. I spend 80% of my time in bed due to my pain. I take narcotic painkillers for my pain and antidepressents for my depression due to pain. Amoung other pain medications

Since my social security disability claim would be dependent upon my chronic pain which is so hard to access ( can't be seen on x-ray, matter of degree and people taking atvantage of this or frudulent claims). How will my clain be assesed?
Should I have an attorney? Will they take into account my 23% SIIS disability rating? How do I make clear to SSD that my pain is real and disabilling?
I have been out of work for 13mo. I have gone through all my savings, maxed out credit cards just to pay bills. Medilal bills have been left unpaid. I would do anything to go back to work. I cannot drive anymore. My life has been turned upside down. After working in so much pain for so many years I am at a loss. Please help.
Pain in the Neck

Paul McChesney (Admin)

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Posted on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 1:03 pm:

How will my clain be assesed? Eventually, by an Administative Law Judge, or ALJ.

Should I have an attorney? I certainly would.

Will they take into account my 23% SIIS disability rating? Maybe a little, but more important than the doctors say the specific things you cannot do, say why, and back their claims up with objective dats..

How do I make clear to SSD that my pain is real and disabilling? Start by getting your doctor to say so and to describe the effect it should have on you.

Craig

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Posted on Thursday, June 03, 2004 - 10:04 am:

hi I am a 31 year old male with no high scool diploma only had two jobs one fast food manager the other printing press operator I have been injured on the job twice first injury I had nerve pain down right leg was in alot of pain company doctors just said it was a muscle strain MRI said I had two slightly bulging disk at L-2,L-3,andL-4,L-5 but not pressing on nerve the lawyer said they wanted to give me 10% disability for this the second injury caused alot of problems I have nerve pain in both legs,muscles in back lock up to where I have to get help getting out of bed,weakness in both legs to where they shake bad if I have to stand long periods,numbness in feet and toes,hurts bad to sit long,and sometimes it feels like I need to urinate real bad but don't. The company doctor said that it was just a muscle strain but did no test and said I was able to do regular job my doctor says that I have a herniated disk at L-4,L-5.He told me that I needed to apply for my disability because he knew of no job I will be able to do.I am going to apply this week I have been out of work since February.I still have my job but insurance carrier still has not made a decission to accept or deny claim.Also doctor says that surgery will not help it.Do you think I have a chance for disability?

Paul McChesney (Admin)
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Post Number: 717
Registered: 5-2004

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Posted on Tuesday, July 20, 2004 - 4:54 am:

Craig, I am sorry to hear about your problems. You certainly have a good chance of getting disability if you can prove you are as impaired as you say. You describe symptoms that are pretty serious, you have objective findings to support your case, and your doctor is supporting you. Try to make sure that there is no contrary evidence developed; a lawyer can help you here.

It is not clear to me whether you have an attorney in your Worker's Compensation case, but if you do not, after all this delay by the insurance company, you should get one. Watch your deadlines, which vary from state to state.

Terri Kato
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Posted on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 1:00 pm:

Posted on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 1:56 pm:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am a 41 year old female and live in Myrtle Beach SC. I had a work related accident in 98. I ended up having a diskectomy on L4-L5 in 99. Within 3-4 months after the surgery, I reblew the disc. I still have severe back pain, and have been seeing a pain management Dr since. My surgeon suggested doing a double fusion on those discs, but can only give me a 65-75% success rate on that surgery. I am a single parent and my youngest child is now 4, so it is not possible for me to have that kind of surgery and be able to take care of my children. I went back to work at the end of 99 with the same company doing office work. Since 99, my pain has gotten considerably worse. I can not sit, stand, bend over, or squat for any length of time. I now have pain in my lower back and legs 24/7. Along with that, I also have numbness in my arms, legs, feet and hands. I'm not allowed to lift anything over 10 pounds. I also have arthiritis in these discs. What I would like to know is what I would need to do to file a disability claim, and if I would have any chance in getting it. Due to my health problems, it got to the point where I had to quit my job because of the pain in August 2004. Other than trying to get an Attorney, what else will I need as far as paperwork to get the claim started? I can not afford to hire an Attorney, so I'd also like to know if their are any in SC (Myrtle Beach) that will take their fees from the settlement if I get one.

Darlene
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Posted on Thursday, October 21, 2004 - 11:22 pm:

I am a 42 year old female, I am a flight attendant by trade. I hurt my back on the aircraft during turbulance and have been off of work now 3 months, I had an MRI and it showed I have a bulging disc,I have been in physical therapy for almost the full 3 months, I am to go in for spinal injections soon. I attempted to return to work but on the first day had to assist a pregnant woman with her bags and again re-injured my back and have been off for 2 weeks since. I am constantly lifting, our carts weigh aprox. 250 lbs. we deal with turbulance and heavy lifting daily, I now have back pain constantly and cannot stand or sit for long peroids or lift any slightly heavy objects even vacuuming bothers my back. I don't know what to do as what I am recieving from workmans comp is almost $1000 less per month than what I can take home if I was working. I don't know how long I'll be off or if I will be able to return to this type of work at all. Can you please give me some advice as to what to do? Thanks

CinNC
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Posted on Tuesday, November 02, 2004 - 3:40 pm:

Mr. McChesney,
THANKS for your website. I am a 41yo male living in southeastern NC. I work as an IT System Admin for a hospital -- making ~$45k/yr. I have a high school education, with some college (no degree). I suffered a back injury while at my former job in 2002. To date, my body has never fully recovered. I am in constant pain and don't sleep at night. My doctor has diagnosed me (using interviews, MRI, X-rays, etc) with the following:
- Osteoarthritis (back)
- Osteophytes (C6/C7 & L4/L5)
- Nerve impingement (C6/C7)
- Degenerative Disc Disease (Lumbar)
- Fibromyalgia
- Hyperlipidemia

I am taking Vicodin, Neurontin, Bextra, Crestor & Lexapro on a daily basis. The meds make it hard to concentrate and function.

I am working full-time now, but my productivity has been hampered by the constant pain, depression and sleepness nights. I don't know that I am ready for LTD or SSD, *BUT* I do know that I need to prepare in the event my situation gets any worse -- which, from what I've read, is likely to happen.

Please offer any words of wisdom for someone in my situation -- one who will likely need to file a case within the next 2-5 years.

What do I need to do now in order to have my "ducks in a row" when the time comes for me to file?

THANKS again!

Steve
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Posted on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 12:25 am:

Hi, My name is Steve & I am 48 years old. I was involved in an auto accident nearly two & 1/2 years ago. I have been to eight different dr.s & now go to the Southeastern Spine institute in Charleston, SC. My l5 s1 disk is completely gone & I am on a large regimemnt of pain meds. I am awaiting an artificial replacment disk (Charte') disk that is supposed to be on the market sometime in the next six months or so. I am attempting to get temporary dissability due to the fact that I cannot get employment in my current condition. Can anyone shed any light on this subjuct. Thank you.

Paul McChesney (Admin)
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Post Number: 856
Registered: 5-2004

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Posted on Sunday, November 14, 2004 - 6:30 am:

Steve, if you have not been able to work for 2 1/2 years, you should immediately file for Social Security disability benefits. You don't say enough for me to be sure that you can't work, but if you are in line for a replacement disk you might be able to qualify. If you are turned down hire an attorney. Take care.

Barbara
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Posted on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 - 2:34 pm:

Paul,
I am a 38 year old woman who has just recieved her termination letter of SSI. I just got my g.e.d. last year, and I am attending college part time. I am an epileptic, grant ya I have not had a seizure in 2 yrs, but well that could or could not happen anytime. I take 260 mg of Phenobarbital for my seizures. I have been on this medication for 28 yrs now. I have Hepatitis A because of my seizure medication. I have a perfect S in my lower back. In 2002 I was diagnosed of having osteoperosis and osteopernia, last year I was put in physical therapy for a frozen shoulder which to this day I still can not stratch my back. I have just found out in my termination letter that I have had depression since 1995, my primary care doctor back in 2000 put me on paxil because my father passed away. Know I am on 30 mg of paxil a day, never mind the 300 mgs of Celebrex just to even move my right frozen shoulder. In my termination letter they say since I can walk, talk and communicate with others my health has improved. Well when they put me on disablity I could walk, talk and communicate with others. I am also a cancer survivor. I have had 1 job in 9 years of being disabled. I can not go to school full time, so how does anyone expect me to work full time or even part time. I have a hard time in school going part time. I almost quit this semester because it was that difficult for me and it was all prereq work. Please give me some advice on what to do. When I saw the SSI neurologist he talked with me for about 15 mins, and took my reflexes and that was it. I dont understand any of this. I am only going to try and get my associates degree, but I also know it is going to take me longer then 2 years to get that. My brain believe it or not does not comprehend like a normal persons. Thank you for your time.

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Posted on Friday, December 31, 2004 - 8:58 am:

You have a lot of seperate problems that perhaps add up to disability. Any job requires you to attend regularly. If you can prove that you cannot, you have a shot at continuing your case.

Keep struggling in every other way, but also file an appeal in your case. If you do so within 10 days of the termination, you might be able to keep your benefits going while you appeal.

Hire a lawyer or get legal aid involved. Get a good statement from your doctors.

Take care and good luck.

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Posted on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 2:38 pm:

in 2003 i had 3 cervical fusions c3c4c5 with hardware and cadavier bone, returned to maid work after 6 weeks of recovery, i now have bone spurs, i had one procedure of epidurals, to the cervical and lumbar, i clean 14 suites 5 days a week, i tried to apply for disability, a lot of red tape, decided to keep working, decided no more doctor's no more pain meds, trying to do this on my own, mind over matter, heating pads, rest, walking,hot showers, reading,etc... the pain is real, mostly on left side, both arms and hands numb and tingling 24/7,both legs and feet numb and tingling 24/7, upper left arm dull ache in muscle area 24/7, legs feel heavy when walking, shooting pain in left leg pelvic area, left leg gives out, what should i do? are not do?

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Posted on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 4:55 pm:

Hi, Connie. These suggestions:

1. I generally encorage people to work if they can, as long as it does not destroy their health to do so; this does not always work out but more often either proves disability if you fail, or gives you an income if you succeed.

2. I have no idea if you might go directly to some sort of lighter work, or indirectly after education. If this is a possiblity you should try to move in that direction. Be sure to talk to your local tech school about education possibilities and what job they might lead to.

3. You might consider also filing a Social Security claim during any brief time that you are out of work. It can take a couple of years to get to a hearing, and you can go back to work and try to keep your claim going, too, just in case your back fails. This does not always work. If you start having problems with this, get with a lawyer.

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Posted on Thursday, January 27, 2005 - 10:01 pm:

I am 35 years old. In June I was involved in a horrible car accident and broke the L4 vertabrae, broke my right tibia and both sides of my ankle bone, and my right collar bone. I had just been laid off of work and did qualify to get medicaid. I had surgery on my back and foot. It has been 6 months and I still can't work. I am in constant pain. I walk now with a limp and my back hurts constantly. I cannot sit or stand for long periods of time. I was a sales representative covering 2 states. But I can't ride in a car that long to travel. Do you think I could qualify for disability?

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Posted on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 7:36 am:

You probably have a pretty good shot at a claim. Because of your work experience, I am sure that you could handle a lot of desk jobs, but any job requires you to attend work for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, and not lie down or recline during most of that time, and I bet you would not be able to do this. It is possible that you might recover, but in case not you should certainly file.

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Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 12:15 am:

i am a 40yr old male who has been out of work for 9mnth i applyed to temp ssdi do to thurasic lumbar spinal fussion t4-l2 still have 54 degree curve above abelow fussion also total shoulder replacement knee problems and renal artery anyrisium. i applyed without a lawyer and now they mmade a decion but sent it to medical review board.i am nervouse because of the storys i hear what do u think my chances are and if denied what should i do next. ty p.s.live in long island ny

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Posted on Saturday, February 19, 2005 - 9:29 pm:

Hire a lawyer. You sound disabled to me, but not to them. You need to be sure the paper that they have matches your true condition, and you need a lawyer to get that done for sure.

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Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 8:49 am:

HI IAM 50 YEARS OLD I HAVE BEEN SUFFERING FROM CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME. WHAT THEY SAY IS ALLSO CALLED DOULBE CRUSH SYNDROME IN LEFT ARM. HAVE HAD TWO SURGERYS ON THE LEFT ARM.AND ALLSO HAVE NECK ARTHRITIS. AND SEVERE DEGENERATIVE CHANGES OF THE DISC.WHICH THEY ARE SAYING IT IS CERVICAL STENOSIS.I HAVE NO STRENGHT IN LEFT ARM.I HAVE ALLSO HAD COLON CANCER. WHAT ARE MY CHANCES OF GETTING DISABILITY. THEY WANT TO SURGERY ON THE NECK ALLSO.

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Posted on Sunday, April 24, 2005 - 6:50 pm:

That certainly sounds like a lot, and I am sure that you have a shot at it. It is hard to say much more than that because you don't tell me any of the limitations the conditions cause, except for loss of use of the left arm. If that is your only limitation, and you are right handed, there might be jobs. But I suspect that these other conditions cause limitations that you have not told me about. Take care and good luck.

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Posted on Tuesday, May 10, 2005 - 1:29 am:

I am a 38 y.o. male with a high school education and some college. I am suffering from a centerline bulging disc at L5-S1. I have continual pain in my lowback and numbness down my left leg into my foot. I was injured carrying a pump wieghing 140 lbs. down a flight of stairs, I continued to work for 10 more days with the pain and numbness then while using a screw jack under a tanker trailer the pain and numbness increased to the point that I was totally unable to continue working. I was off originally on work comp. for 6 months then returned to work under restrictions. I continued working for approximately 14 months still having the same problems with the low back pain and left leg numbness. Up to this point I had tried all methods of relief from PT, meds., and epidural injections. I've also had the benefit of 2 MRI's, 2 EMG's, and a milegram. The MRI show the centerline bulging disc at L5-S1 and the EMG shows a nerve impengment in that same area. (Cont.)

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Posted on Tuesday, May 10, 2005 - 1:36 am:

(cont.)I had to go off work once again 6 months ago because of an increase in the pain and numbness. I have since been terminated from my job this past week due to the employer needing someone in my position. The neuro-surgeon that is treating me said that my last option is for anterior/posterior fusion with addition of stabilizing rods. He said that I will lose about 35% of my range of motion, and the surgery probably will not relieve the pain, but should relieve the numbness in my leg.

My question then is that once I have this procedure performed, I have been told by one physician that there is a high probability that I will be disabled and never be able to work again. I have been in the chemical processing business for over 20 years (mostly the heavy labor part). I realize that I probably wont be able to return to this form of work. If this is potential, then when should I file for disability? What do you think the odds are of getting it?

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Posted on Monday, May 30, 2005 - 7:16 am:

Steve: You are in a tough spot. I would guess that right now your doctor would say he hopes you return to work, and I guess that is possible if the operation is successful.

But there is also a possibility that you will not be able to work. For that reason, you must file a Social Security disability claim immediately. It could take a long time to get to a hearing, and you want your disability benefits to be coming before your worker's compensation ends. I assume you are now drawing worker's comp; if not please contact me or someone immediately.

It can be as quick as 3 months, but more commonly it can take a couple of years to win a Social Security case. Take care, and good luck with your operation. Be sure to work hard on the physical therapy after.

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Posted on Tuesday, May 24, 2005 - 1:42 pm:

I am a 48 yr old female. for the last 2 yrs thats when I filed to disabilit. I have had 2 carpul tunnel surgeris and a 3rd surgery on my left hand for the nerves. my hands were so damaged he now says its neurapathy. I also suffer from migrane headaches I am on medication. and now I was told I have degenerative disc. I am getting an mri tomorrow on my back, my hands are shot 2 fingers are numb from last surgery. On a scale of 1-10 being the best I am a 3 on both hands I have to letters from Drs saying I cannot do any work at all I was denied twice now waitting court date for disability hearing. I also have a lawyer. what are my chances of being approved.

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Posted on Monday, May 30, 2005 - 7:15 am:

Dianne: Your lawyer has seen all the medicals and knows the judge. He is much more likely to be able to guess your chances than I am.

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Posted on Monday, March 28, 2005 - 2:28 pm:

I was involved in an military vehicle accident. In 2002, my neck pain finally became unbearable. I had the surgery in 2003, cervical disk fusion at C 4, 5, & 6. Six months after the surgery I was in horrible pain. Two of the interlocking screws had broken. I am in more pain now than before. I suffer from neck & back pain, aniexty, depression, migraines & stomach problems caused by the medication. I take medication everyday for these conditions. I now have pain coming from the disk above & below the fusion. My right arm is numb or achy 75% of the time. I have filed a claim with the VA for my neck (in Sep). I am 42 years old and live in NC. I sit at a desk all day long in terrible pain, but have to work.

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Posted on Tuesday, March 29, 2005 - 7:41 am:

(continued)
1. age 42 2. AAS degree 3. Administrative, truck driver 4. neck pain w/ radipathy, migraines, acid reflux, aniexty & depression 5. I have problems walking, standing & sitting for long periods, riding, I have pain radiating down right arm making it difficult to type. 6. gastonia NC

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Posted on Saturday, April 23, 2005 - 10:16 am:

David:

You certainly sound disabled to me. You have had back surgery of the most major sort, and a substantial portion of people with such surgery function so poorly that they cannot work. The fact that your screws have broken suggests that you are in that group.

(Message edited by admin on May 29, 2005)

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Posted on Sunday, June 19, 2005 - 5:14 pm:

Applied for SSDI going to SS doctor on June 21. I am 60 male/Iowa. I finally could not work any longer pension eligible left work filed for SSDI. I have Manic Depression/Bi Polar,PPS,Depression,Anxiety/Panic Disorder, Chronic Pain from 3 back surgeries,Arthritis in back and knees. I have been State Hospitalized twice for Bi Polar had a break down in Nov 2003 last back surgery in Nov 2000. I am on a total of 8 drugs, Depakote,Clonazepam,Oxybutynin Chloride,Naproxen, Oxycodone,Morphine Sulfate,Fluoxetine and Wellbutrin XL. I worked for a telco co and took calls all day and found with amount of medication I was falling asleep on the job,had hand tremors so I could not type,fell asleep at the wheel of my car twice no accidents. I have no energy due to the PPS and sometimes go into a fog where I fall asleep in a chair or go to bed in the middle of the day and sleep for hours. My legs twitch form PPS. I use a walker to walk with. Do you think my chances are good without getting an attorney?

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Posted on Saturday, July 02, 2005 - 7:50 am:

Charles, 3 back operations is a lot, and those are some serious medications that you are taking, and you are 60. Surely you will get benefits on your own, without an attorney. But if you get turned down, there is something wrong that you cannot figure out how to fix, and you must get one.

Take care and good luck.

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Posted on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 1:54 pm:

I worked as commercial sewer for the last 5 yrs and developed neck and shoulder/arm pain. Had MRI and was diagnosed as degenerative disc and had cervical fusion of c 4/5/6. After the surgery I found I still had the same neck and arm pain and now have been diagnosed with chronic shoulder impingement and have had cortison shots and PT and am taking lortabs 5 times a day and have trouble sleeping and cannot do much of anything because of constant pain. I am 59 and not trained to do anything but sewing. I filed for SSD in April but have not heard anything. Do you think I have a chance of getting ssd. I did not work for 15 yrs before my sewing job because of low back pain but did not claim this for my disability as I could sit and sew but now can't even do that.

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Posted on Wednesday, August 03, 2005 - 1:15 pm:

Ms. Sloan: You have to have worked enough to get Social Security disability; it is possible that you have not worked enough; you are probably right on the borderline. If the Administration says that you have not, be sure to get your earnings record from www.ssa.gov and sit down with a good lawyer; you can probably make a minimal amount and become covered.

If not, and your family has a low enough income, you might get SSI.

Your impairments well might be severe enough to disable you.

Take care and good luck.

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Posted on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 8:30 pm:

I am a 39 year old male with multiple problems. I had surger in February of 2005 on C5 & C6. I also have degenerative spinal disorder.I am unable to stand on my feet for long periods of time due to numbness. I have suffered 2 strokes, I have severe drooping on my left side more noticable in my face. I use a cane prescribed by my neurologist for balance. I also suffer from bi-polar and sever depression. I am on 3 antidepressant medications and 3 different mood stableizers.I suffer more with the depression than anything else. I am unable to communicate with others and right now my doctors have me out of work. My Psychiatrist told me that i can not hold a full-time nor a part-time position. I filed for ssdi back in march of 2004. I was denied the first time,and also through the ALJ, i am now awaitig appeals council decison. Do you think my case is worth fighting? I have a lawyer

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Posted on Wednesday, August 03, 2005 - 1:11 pm:

James, your lawyer can tell you better than I can. At the Appeals Council level, it becomes more relevant what evidence, if any, is against you. If you can prove your problems, you will probably win; the challenge is proving them so that they cannot turn you down.

As strong as your case seems to be, be sure to consider filing an appeal in Federal District Court if you are unsuccessful at the Appeals Counsel. Many lawyers do, and many do not, handle appeals at that level.

Take care and good luck.

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Posted on Saturday, July 23, 2005 - 7:45 pm:

Paul, I was in a car accident and diagnosed with neck sprain this year. The pain continued and I had a MRI the results are as followed.
c2-3 disc disiccation, c3-4 bulge and osteophyte to right with narrowing, c4-5 bulge and osteophyte to right with cord flattening and mild stenosis. c5-6 disc disiccation with bulge and osteophyte.Cord flattening. Mild degree of central stenosis. Moderate left and right foraminal narrowing is seen.c6-7 bulge to right, mild stenosis. foraminal narrowing, c7-t1 disc desiccation. uncovertebral spur to the right side. moderate foraminal to right.I have panic attacks and depression. Do I have a case for SSI

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Posted on Wednesday, August 03, 2005 - 1:06 pm:

Anonymous: Maybe. I am not a doc, so I can't say for sure what those MRI results mean; they are certainly not normal. A lawyer could figure out what questions the doctor needs to be asked in your particular case to establish disability.

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Posted on Sunday, July 24, 2005 - 4:25 pm:

I applied for ssdi 5/27/05. I've had two back surgeries and am scheduled to have a two level fusion in August. I received a call the other day from DDS asking if I had the discogram I told them I was scheduled for. I told her yes, and that I'd seen the doc (three bad discs and nerve damage in both legs) and am going ahead with the fusion. She said,"Oh you poor thing, you've been through so much already. I'll request the most recent records right away." Do you think from her comment that I have a chance at getting ssdi? I am a 34 yo female who's been fighting my back pain for over six years. I have records from twelve treating doctors. Your input would be appreciated.

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Posted on Wednesday, August 03, 2005 - 1:03 pm:

Jerri, I certainly hope so. She doesn't have the last say, so even if she wants to help she could be thwarted.

Be sure to appeal and hire a lawyer if denied!

Take care and good luck.

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Posted on Friday, June 10, 2005 - 8:12 am:

My name is stan i am 48 years old and live in michigan i did sales for 15 years i have benn diag.with anxiaty.depression.possable adhd.bad lower back high blood pressure.i had two surg.on L5 in 1987 and could only do sedentary work and no mare than 25 lbs for the rest of my life.i have 9TH GRADE ED.ged in 1973 went in the navy in the nam war.had a mri done and found L1-L2-L3-L4 mild disc degenerative change.L3-L4 mild disc bulge.L4-L5 has a broad based disc protrusion and disc loss im allways in alot of pain and seemed to not beable to do anything.im seeing a phycolagist to my doc said i have exstreme amount of arthriatis in my neck and back for my age.im getting a emg done soon.i cant take the pain and stress of working anymore i app for ssi in march of 05 they sent me to a physc evailuation and know want a med exam. do you think i will get my ssi? thanks

P.S stan again i also have high tone deffness in both ears.loud ringing all the time.

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Posted on Friday, June 10, 2005 - 8:28 am:

P.S stan again i also have high tone deffness in both ears.loud ringing all the time.

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Posted on Saturday, July 02, 2005 - 9:13 am:

Stan, you have a shot at it; multiple back surgeries often leave people with a lot of problems, and it sounds like you have a lot of limitations from your psychological condition, which is probably related to your back problem.

So we can say for sure that you have a shot at a disability claim.

Whether you will win it or not depends on how well that is documented on paper, whether there are any misleading medicals, and to a certain extent what judge you happen to get. To help make sure all of those factors are lined up in your favor, you should get an attorney to represent you.

Take care and good luck.

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Posted on Friday, August 12, 2005 - 3:57 pm:

I am a 41 year old woman and I was injured while lifting 2-residents at my work place. I am a Certified Nurses Aide and I have done this work for 24 years. I went through several therapies, my work place's work comp company refused to pay for my medication, and for any treatments ordered by my doctor. I have been diagnosed with lumbar back pain secondary to degenerative disc disease at L4-5 and L5-S1, sacroiliac joint dysfunction on rt side and history of carpal tunnel syndrome. I hurt myself in May of 2002, and been under going lawsuit against work comp, and still no answers, and my place of employment had just fired me for wrong cause, drawing unemployment, but was wondering if I should and how to obtain records for to apply for SSI?

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Posted on Monday, August 15, 2005 - 6:42 am:

I am 43 years old and have had back pain that is getting worse. I recently had a mri that shows i have spondylolysis at L5-S1 and there is aterolisthesis seen of 1.5 cm. central canal narrowingus present at this level. It is moderate to o severe and there is severe exit foraminal narrowing bilaterally. Facet arthropathy is evident. There is accentuation of the lumbar lordosis. Disc desiccation is seen throughout the lumbosacral spine. There is no HNP. Moderate to severe central canal narrowing L5-S1 where there is 1.5cm anterolisthesis. I cannot sit or stand for long periods of time. Would I qualify for social secruity disability.

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Posted on Thursday, August 25, 2005 - 1:13 pm:

I then closed the claim and went to see my own doctor who then sent me to an orthopedic sports specialist. The specialist ordered an MRI and when the results came in the findings were disc bulge in L3-L4 L4-L5. MRI did not indicate nerve impingment. They have since sent me to PT. I have not worked in approxiamately 4 weeks. I am afraid my job will not let me come back to work because they are afraid I will re-injure myself and they don't want to be responsible. Would I qualify for social security disability? Should I re-open the Worker's Comp case?

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Posted on Thursday, August 25, 2005 - 1:17 pm:

OOOps' this is the beginning part of my message...
I am a 46 year old female. 5'6" tall and 200 lbs. I work in a Bakery/Deli in a grocery store. Cake decorating my job description, I have held this position for 4 years, which requires all day standing, lifting (30 to 46 lbs.) on a regular basis. Several years ago while walking I noticed a numb spot on my leg at times it burns and gets uncomfortable, but it was never a source of pain. Aboout 4 months ago I started having severe lower back burning pain and pain radiating from my lower back down the numb area of my leg. I filed a worker's comp claim with the company and went to their doctors for 5 weeks. The WC docs said there was no permanent damage to my back and sent me back to work, never doing an exam or x-rays. I then closed the

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Posted on Sunday, September 25, 2005 - 7:51 am:

Christina:

I would not begin to guess what you should do. Gather your medicals and sit down and talk to a good local worker's compensation lawyer. You do not want to file a claim if you will lose, but you might have to file to protect your income.