Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common spinal condition resulting from the gradual deterioration of the cushioning discs between the vertebrae. This process, often linked to age, injury, or wear and tear, causes the discs to lose fluid, shrink, and become less flexible. This deterioration leads to significant pain and mobility issues, often preventing individuals from maintaining gainful employment. Applicants seeking Social Security disability benefits must meet the specific, high threshold required by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Meeting the Disability Definition
The Social Security Administration does not award benefits simply because a person has a diagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease; qualification depends on the resulting functional limitations that prevent work. To qualify, the condition must be severe enough to prevent an individual from engaging in substantial gainful activity for a continuous period of at least 12 months. The SSA evaluates spinal disorders, including those caused by DDD, under its medical guidelines, often referencing Listing 1.15 in the “Blue Book,” which addresses disorders of the skeletal spine resulting in nerve root compromise.
To meet this listing, an applicant must have objective medical evidence of the spinal disorder, such as disc degeneration shown on imaging, combined with evidence of nerve root compression or irritation. This nerve involvement can manifest as radicular pain, muscle weakness, sensory loss, or a reduction in reflexes in the arms or legs. The functional result must be a severe limitation, such as the inability to walk without assistance or a significant limitation in the ability to perform fine and gross movements with the upper extremities.
When the DDD symptoms do not precisely meet the requirements of a specific listing, the SSA assesses the applicant’s Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). This assessment determines the maximum amount of work-related activity the person can still perform despite their limitations. The SSA considers how long an individual can sit, stand, walk, lift, and carry, and whether chronic pain or neurological deficits interfere with sustained work performance. Ultimately, a claim is approved if the functional limitations from the DDD prevent the applicant from performing their past work or any other type of work that exists in the national economy.
Essential Medical Evidence for Your Claim
Securing disability benefits requires comprehensive, objective medical evidence from acceptable medical sources, which forms the foundation of the entire claim. Diagnostic imaging is crucial, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans needed to provide visual proof of disc degeneration, disc herniation, or spinal stenosis that is affecting a nerve. X-rays may also be used to document the loss of disc height or the formation of bone spurs, which are common manifestations of DDD.
Beyond imaging, the SSA relies heavily on longitudinal treatment notes from your treating physician detailing the progression of your symptoms, prescribed medications, and the effectiveness of all treatments attempted. Physical therapy records and any surgical reports are important to show the severity of the condition and the persistent functional limitations despite medical intervention.
A highly persuasive piece of evidence is the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form, which should be completed by the treating doctor. This form quantifies the claimant’s remaining abilities, detailing specifics like how frequently they must change position, how much they can lift, and how long they can sit or stand comfortably. The physician’s opinion, especially when detailing specific functional restrictions and correlating them with the objective findings, carries significant weight in the SSA’s determination. Consistent, ongoing medical care and a paper trail demonstrating the severity of the condition over time are necessary to support a successful claim.
Navigating the Application and Appeals Process
The procedural journey for obtaining disability benefits begins with filing an initial application, which can be done online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. After the application is submitted, the claim is sent to a state agency, Disability Determination Services (DDS). The DDS is responsible for gathering medical records and making the initial medical determination, assessing whether the DDD meets the SSA’s definition of disability.
Initial applications for disability benefits are frequently denied, often due to insufficient or incomplete medical documentation. If the claim is denied, the applicant must then proceed through the formal appeals process, starting with a Request for Reconsideration, which involves a full review by a different examiner. If reconsideration is also denied, the next and most commonly successful stage is a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
Applicants must continue to seek regular medical treatment throughout this entire process to demonstrate the ongoing severity of their DDD. Many applicants choose to seek legal representation, particularly before the ALJ hearing, as an attorney can help frame the medical evidence and cross-examine vocational experts. Persistence through the multi-stage appeals process is often necessary to achieve a favorable outcome.