Social Security Disability Claims Arising From Spinal Disorders

Law Offices of Stuart Pastor — Dallas, Texas

In evaluating claims for Social Security disability benefits or SSI benefits there are certain clinical tests, and imaging results to which Social Security attaches special importance. It is possible even if your case has been denied that the important imaging findings and clinical test results are contained in your medical records, and the results are supportive of your claim, but the person who decided your case (the adjudicator) overlooked them. An experienced Social Security disability attorney will direct the Social Security adjudicator to the test results, and findings in your medical records that support your claim under the relevant Social Security regulations, and rulings. If your records lack a clinical test or imaging that is of special significance to Social Security it may be possible to strengthen the evidence in your case by having your doctor perform the test or arrange for the imaging to be performed.

Some SSI and SSDI claims arising from spinal disorders can be won on the basis of imaging results, clinical test findings, and laboratory test results. Even when the case can’t be won on the basis of the objective medical findings alone, objective medical findings are important to show that you have a medical condition that can reasonably be expected to cause the type of symptoms that you are experiencing. It is important that your lawyer have the knowledge, and experience necessary to understand the significance of the many clinical tests, and imaging findings commonly found in the medical records of persons suffering from spinal conditions. Your attorney will need to have this understanding to be able to show the Social Security adjudicator (the person deciding your case for Social Security) that you have a medically determinable condition that could reasonably be expected to cause the symptoms that you are reporting.

Most persons who are disabled due to a spinal disorder are disabled because the spinal condition causes severe pain that limits their activity. The Social Security administration has issued several regulations and rulings that apply to all components of Social Security that specify how cases involving pain are to be evaluated. One of the most important considerations is the consistency between the symptoms, and limitations that you report to Social Security, and the symptoms, and limitations that appear in your medical records. Therefore, it is crucial that you tell your treating doctor regularly how much pain you experience, what activities make the pain worse, and how you have altered your life to reduce the pain. An experienced Social Security disability attorney will examine your medical records to determine whether the records are consistent with the symptoms, and limitations that you are reporting to Social Security.

Since there is no way to objectively measure the level of pain someone is experiencing, and what activities the person can perform despite his or her pain, Social Security disability claims based on spinal disorders are frequently challenging. There is much that an experienced Social Security disability attorney can do to increase the likelihood of a favorable decision in claims for Social Security disability arising from spinal disorders.

If you are seeking Social Security disability benefits as a result of a spinal condition, neck disorder or back disorder call the Law Office of Stuart Pastor for a free initial consultation. There is no fee due for representation unless your case is won.

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I have successfully represented many people suffering from neck and back pain or spinal disorders. If you or a family member suffers from such a disability, please do not hesitate to call me.

Three Convenient Office Locations:
In Austin: 512-687-3443
In Dallas: 214-800-2022
In Plano: 972-599-2600

Toll Free: 888-616-6162

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