If you provide all the medical evidence required to support your Grade 1 retrolisthesis diagnosis in your application to the SSA you may be surprised to find that you qualify for disability benefits. Retrolisthesis is a spinal condition where one vertebra slips backwards onto the vertebra below which can cause significant health challenges. Both patients and healthcare providers alike often wonder whether a victim is likely to qualify for disability benefits with Grade 1 retrolisthesis. This article offers in depth insights into the criteria, symptoms, and possible treatments for Grade 1 retrolisthesis, revealing whether you, as a reader, may qualify for disability benefits with this diagnosis.
Is Grade 1 Retrolisthesis a Disability?
The SSA may recognize Grade 1 retrolisthesis as a disability if it severely impacts your ability to work. You will need to provide medical evidence that your retrolisthesis meets the SSA's definition of severe and will prevent you from working for at least 12 months.
In the SSA’s Blue Book, retrolisthesis falls under the many disorders of the spine which can be found listed in section 1.0 under the Musculoskeletal System. Because retrolisthesis is not mentioned specifically it can fall under spinal disorders.
The SSA also recognizes a disability through the RFC (residual functional capacity) assessment which is when your doctor conducts and documents the results of physical and mental tests which determine if you have the physical and mental attributes to work.
What Will You Need In Order to Get Disability Benefits For Grade 1 Retrolisthesis?
You may need to gather evidence to strengthen your case using the results of medical tests such as X-rays or another imaging study. Using the image, your physician can measure its displacement which is how far it is out of its normal position. If the displacement exceeds 2 millimeters, your physician may diagnose you with Grade 1 retrolisthesis.
Evidence from your medical history will help the SSA to determine the impact the Grade 1 retrolisthesis has had on your life and ability to work.
The results from your RFC assessment will show the restrictions caused by the illness that prevent you from being able to work.
Conclusion
Applying to the SSA alone may not be enough, so consider reaching out to a social security disability attorney to advocate on your behalf. The more thoroughly you investigate and document the extent that your illness impacts your ability to work, the more likely you may be approved for benefits.
Working with an attorney may help you get the disability benefits you deserve but you will need to provide as much evidence as you can to support the severity of your Grade 1 retrolisthesis diagnosis. The SSA wants to confirm that you will be unable to work for at least 12 months with your Grade 1 retrolisthesis diagnosis. Your attorney should be able to assess your chances of qualifying for disability benefits and help you gather the evidence you require to support your claim.
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