Debilitating back pain can develop from a broad range of back and spinal conditions. Many of these conditions are normal with age, while others are trauma-induced. From degenerative discs or osteoarthritis to rheumatoid arthritis, spinal stenosis, and a great number of other conditions, back pain from a number of sources can qualify as a debilitating condition for those seeking long-term disability benefits.
While severe back pain is often cited in disability insurance claims, these claims are routinely denied, and successfully receiving disability insurance benefits on this basis has proven to be difficult without the help of an experienced disability lawyer.
As one of Philadelphia’s most experienced disability law firms, we realize that proving disability for back pain can be a challenge, which is why we go to great lengths to support our clients’ claims with substantial documentation and expert testimony.
In this post, we’ll give our insight into how disability insurance views back pain and why you should trust an experienced disability attorney with your claim instead of attempting to file alone.
How to Prove a Disability for Back Pain
To prove that you are unable to complete the regular functions of your job due to your back pain, you must prove you have a “medically determinable” condition that has lasted for more than one year. For your claim to be approved, you’ll need to support it with ample medical records proving the impairment.
What Factors are Weighed
To determine if your case is serious enough to be considered a disability, three main factors will be assessed: your objective symptoms, your functional limitations, and your credibility. Because much of your claim is based on your personal, subjective reports of back pain, your insurer will attempt to use your credibility against you in denying your claims. This is one area in which a skilled disability attorney can be of great use.
More Things to Consider
The decision to award or deny benefits is based on many criteria, including how often you sought medical care and how well you followed your doctor’s advice. To give yourself the best chance at receiving disability insurance benefits, it is strongly advised that you work with an experienced team of disability insurance lawyers when filing a claim or appealing a claim denial.
As a trusted disability law firm serving clients from Wilmington to North Jersey and throughout Eastern Pennsylvania, Rosen, Moss, Snyder & Bleefeld, LLP can help you secure the benefits you need. Contact us today at 215-935-0315 for a free consultation.