Compensation And Pension Exams For Scoliosis
Once a claim has been filed for scoliosis, VA may request a Compensation and Pension exam. To schedule this exam, VA will usually call the veteran or send a letter, so it is important to make sure that VA has the veterans most up-to-date contact information. It is also important to follow up with scheduling the exam and to attend, otherwise, VA could deny the veterans claim.
The exam will usually be performed by a VA physician or VA-contracted physician. Prior to the exam, the examiner will review the veterans c-file which will contain any documentation previously submitted to VA, as well as the veterans medical and service records. During the exam, the examiner may ask questions about the veterans service or their scoliosis. They will usually also physically examine the veterans spine.
The veteran may also use a DBQ, or Disability Benefits Questionnaire, to bolster their claim. A Disability Benefits Questionnaire is a form created by VA that enables veterans to address important aspects of their condition, such as symptoms, severity, possible causes, and relation to other disabilities.
Scoliosis is a condition that may be rated on how it limits a veterans range of motion. In these cases, the examiner may use a tool called a goniometer during the exam to obtain an accurate measurement of range of motion.
Why Was My Scoliosis Claim Denied
Around 3 million new cases of scoliosis are diagnosed each year. While the majority of these are diagnoses in children whose spinal curvature can be fixed, many cases severely affect adults and prevent them from working. When disabilities are this severe, Social Security disability benefits may be able to provide monthly financial assistance. But what do you do if your initial application is denied?
What Medical Evidence Does The Ssa Need To See To Approve A Scoliosis Disability Claim
To clearly prove a spinal disorder like scoliosis and medical problems associated with the disorder, applicants will need to submit the following:
- Medical imaging scans
- Physical examination reports completed by physicians and/or spine specialists that describe a patients functional limitations
- Records showing treatment is ongoing and long-term
- Additional reports from doctors stating scoliosis are not expected to improve even with continuous therapy
Evidence of physical limitation is also essential for approval of scoliosis disability benefits. Medical reports should detail a persons difficulty walking, standing, carrying, lifting, and performing sedentary work. If a person with scoliosis is suffering depression or anxiety due to their condition, they should further include psychological reports outlining the severity of any mental health issues in their SSD or SSIdisability benefits claim.
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How Do You Apply For Disability Benefits With Scoliosis
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. It can be present at birth , develop during adolescence , be caused by bone collapse due to osteoporosis, traumatic injury, or back surgery, or neuromuscular .
Scoliosis causes an S- or C-shaped curve in the spine and can vary from mild to severe.
There is no cure, but typical treatment includes bracing to prevent the curvature from increasing and, in cases of severe curves, surgery.
Scoliosis isnt specifically included in the Social Security Administrations Blue Book, a list of more than 100 medical conditions that can qualify individuals for social security disability benefits. This may leave you wondering, Is scoliosis a disability?
The answer is yes and no. Typically, scoliosis by itself isnt debilitating enough to interfere with your ability to work. Therefore, to qualify for social security disability benefits due to scoliosis, it must either be so severe that it meets the requirements of another disability included in the Blue Book, or you must qualify under a medical vocational allowance, which means your symptoms meet or exceed a listing and inhibit your ability to return to work.
Here is what you need to know if youre considering filing a scoliosis disability claim.
Qualifying Under A Disability Listing
While scoliosis is not a disease that has its own listing in the Social Security blue book, if your scoliosis causes severe enough problems that it affects your ability to walk, or your ability to use both of your hands, it’s possible that you could qualify by “equaling” listing 1.18, for “abnormality of a major joint in any extremity,” or listing 14.09C, for “Ankylosing spondylitis or other spondyloarthropathies.” Alternately, if your scoliosis is so severe that it affects your breathing or your heart, you could qualify for disability under the listings for respiratory disorders or cardiovascular disorders.
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Scoliosis And Filing For Disability
Scoliosisapplication for Social Security or SSI disabilityimpairment listingsapproved for disabilityNote:Filing for disability with degnerative disc disease and spinal stenosisqualify them for disabilityrequirement that will qualify them for disabilitydisability determinationQualifying for disability benefits with Scoliosisapproved for disability benefits
Why are so many disability cases lost at the disability application and reconsideration appeal levels?obtained and submitted
Facts about ScoliosisMost popular topics on SSDRC.com
Scoliosis And Quality Of Life
While we have discussed classifying scoliosis as a disability in terms of receiving government assistance, I have to be clear that I think perspective on scoliosis is very important.
As I explained, there are most certainly people who suffer with their condition or related complications, but there are just as many, if not more, in active treatment, who dont experience notable functional deficits and life limitations. These people have adapted to life with their condition and are actively working to reduce their curvature and related symptoms along with it.
I like to mention Usain Bolt, the worlds fastest man. Many people dont realize that Usain has scoliosis yet, he was able to gain that title with his condition. Would you consider him disabled, or just living his best life with his condition?
So many of our experiences are guided by our perspective on our situation. If a person sees themselves as limited and disabled, no amount of evidence to the contrary can change that.This is, in part, why I wrote Scoliosis Hope: to change the narrative surrounding peoples scoliosis story. Having scoliosis isnt a life sentence of limitation and pain, at least it doesnt have to be.
With our conserative treatment here at the Scoliosis Reduction Center, we use a multi-faceted approach to treating scoliosis through a customized combination of scoliosis-specific chiropractic, therapy, rehabilitation, and corrective bracing.
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Disability For Scoliosis Isnt A Sure Thing
Qualifying for Disability for Scoliosis is not easy. The diagnosis alone is not enough to trigger Disability benefits. Medical records are crucial and must show that your scoliosis is so severe that it is impacting your ability to breathe, your heart function, your mental health or causing severe spine issues.
For example, individuals suffering from scoliosis may be declared disabled by the Social Security Administration if they have one of the following issues with their spine:
- Nerve root compression that causes muscle weakness, pain, or limits your ability to move.
- Inflammation of the membrane surrounding the spine, which causes pain or requires you to change your position more than once every two hours.
- Narrowing of the spine that causes chronic pain and weakness and limits your ability to walk.
If you do not meet these specific criteria, but can show that scoliosis is causing other major issues that make it impossible to work, you could still be eligible for Disability for Scoliosis. Again, medical records are key. The seasoned staff at McDonald Law Firm have experience gathering the necessary medical information, preparing the paperwork and filing strong, solid Disability claims.
What Teachers Can Do
Most children with scoliosis have no physical limitations. Scoliosis does not affect a student’s ability to learn, but wearing a brace or having physical limitations can make a student feel self-conscious or embarrassed. Encourage students to participate in all activities they’re up to, and be understanding of any discomfort or tiredness they feel.
Depending on the degree of scoliosis, students may see several medical specialists. Allowing extra time to complete assignments and sending work home while a student recovers from surgery can help them keep up and not feel overwhelmed.
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Surgery If Needed Has Good Outcomes
If your child turns out to be among them, Sponseller who performs over150 spine surgeries a year advises parents that while it may be a harddecision to make on behalf of your child, having surgery sooner rather thanlater is better. When done early, the surgery tends to be simpler, as lessof the spine needs to be fused. Perhaps more importantly, he says, is yourchild being in good overall health and having the support of his or herfamily during recovery. Parents should also work with their childs schoolto determine a plan for the time the child will miss during recovery usually one to two months.
Pediatric Scoliosis | Nicholas Story
Is Scoliosis A Disability Can You Get Disability Benefits
If you are asking whether scoliosis is considered a disability or not, I assume you have recently been diagnosed and are concerned about your ability to work and quality of life. Although scoliosis is a progressive condition with no known cure, it develops across a wide severity spectrum, meaning some people have mild conditions, while others are moderate or severe. A persons ability to work and enjoy life will depend greatly on the individual characteristics of their condition. The United States Social Services Administration has a strict set of criteria that need to be met in order to collect Disability payments. Whether you meet those guidelines will depend on the level of your condition, related complications, and the work that you do.
Before we get into the SSA rules and regulations, lets start by taking a look at the condition itself, its severity levels, and various forms. Well also spend some time discussing what its like to live with scoliosis and how this can affect work and quality of life.
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Surgery In Teenagers And Young Adults
Teenagers and young adults who’ve stopped growing can have an operation called a spinal fusion to correct the curve.
This is a major operation where the spine is straightened using metal rods, screws, hooks or wires, along with bits of bone taken from elsewhere in your body, often the hip.
These are usually left in place permanently.
Most people:
- spend about a week in hospital after the operation
- can return to school after a few weeks
- can play sports after a few months although they may need to avoid contact sports for longer
Sometimes they’ll need to wear a back brace after surgery to protect the back while it heals.
Facts About Curved Spinal Conditions And Filing For Disability
Facts about the conditionQualifying for disability benefits with this condition
Why are so many disability cases lost at the disability application and reconsideration appeal levels?obtained and submittedMost popular topics on SSDRC.com
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Can You Get Ssd Or Ssi Disability Benefits For Scoliosis
Scoliosis typically emerges in children who develop an abnormal S-shaped curve to their spine. In most cases, scoliosis remains mild and does not prevent children from being physically active. Some may need to wear a corrective back brace until their bones stop growing. Rapidly progressive scoliosis may require spinal fusion surgery or the insertion of rods and screws to straighten the spine. Kyphoscoliosis, a type of severe scoliosis that requires affected children to receive special accommodations at school may qualify for scoliosis disability. Adults with kyphoscoliosis are also eligible to receive SSD or SSI disability benefits.
You May Qualify For Legal Assistance
Applying for SSD benefits is confusing for many people. In fact, about 2 in every 5 applicants gets turned down just for making basic paperwork mistakes.
To boost your chances for approval, talk to a Social Security lawyer first. They understand the intricacies of the SSD application process and can offer advice and guidance. They can also provide more information surrounding how to get your disability claim approved.In fact, youre 2x more likely to win benefits on your first try if a lawyer files your claim paperwork.People who qualify for legal assistance through this website typically get $10,000 in lump-sum backpay plus monthly disability.
Ready to see if you may qualify? Click the button below to start your free online benefits evaluation now!
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Scoliosis And Other Disabilities
In some cases, scoliosis can interfere with other body systems. For example, the location and severity of the curve may compress the heart and/or lungs, leading to cardiovascular issues or trouble breathing. It may also make it difficult to walk without crutches or other walking aids, or even lead to withdrawal or other mental health issues due to disfigurement .
If your scoliosis causes any issues with these other body systems, you may be able to qualify for SSD benefits based on the specific criteria of those listings. Even if you dont meet the SSA criteria for spinal disorders or any of the other conditions commonly associated with scoliosis, when viewed together, the symptoms may be debilitating enough to qualify. An experienced SSD attorney can help you determine whether you should apply under multiple disabilities.
Secondary Service Connection For Scoliosis
Secondary service connection refers to when a veteran has an already service-connected condition that caused or aggravated a secondary condition. In cases of scoliosis, the veteran may be primarily connected for a spine injury, a neurological disorder, or a muscular disorder, which then caused scoliosis.
Additionally, scoliosis has been linked to spinal stenosis and arthritis of the spine, meaning that veterans who are service-connected for scoliosis may be eligible for secondary benefits for spinal stenosis and scoliosis. Spinal stenosis is a condition that occurs when the spaces in the spine narrow, which can put pressure on the nerves in the spine. Arthritis of the spine is a breakdown of the cartilage of the joints and discs in the neck and back.
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Examining For Spinal Curve
This is discussed in the chapter on physical examination .
POSSIBLE SIGNS OF EARLY SCOLIOSIS
CHECK FOR:
- how severe the curve is.
- if it is getting worse-and if so, how quickly.
- whether the curve is fixed.
- the age of the child.
In a child who does not stand, check spinal curve while he is sitting. If one side of his butt is weaker and smaller, it may cause a hip tilt.
Put a book or board under the weaker butt, and see if this straightens his spine. If so, a cushion raised on one side may help him sit straighter.
How severe the curve is and whether it is getting worse can be best measured by X-rays.
1 . For each curve, pick the 2 vertebrae that tilt most in relation to each other.
2. Draw lines level with the top of each vertebra.
3. Measure and record the angle of the spinal curve.
4. Regularly record the curve and notice any changes.
Because X-rays are expensive and often hard to get, you can get some idea of whether the curve is getting worse by measuring the angle of the rib hump.
Be sure the top piece is completely level. You can use a carpenter’s level or a homemade one .
SURGERY
How To Check Eligibility Criteria To Apply For Disability Tax Credit For Scoliosis
To apply for this tax credit Form 2201 entitled Disability Tax Credit Certificate it mustbe completed by a registered medical practitioner. This tax creditis only available to those who have taxes payable. This form must be completedby a registered medical practitioner. Qualified registered medicalpractitioners include a medical doctor, physiotherapist, optometrist,psychologist, occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, andaudiologist.
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Denied Disability For Scoliosis Dont Get Discouraged
Receiving a denial letter from the Social Security Administration can be devastating, but dont let it get you down. More than 65 percent of Disability claims are denied during the first, initial application level, so you are not alone. The good news is that this a multi-step process and the next step would be to promptly file an appeal. This is time sensitive, as you only have 60 days to appeal.Save
Feeling overwhelmed? The skilled attorneys and staff at McDonald Law Firm would be privileged to handle every aspect of the appellate process for you.
Can You Get Social Security Disability Benefits For Scoliosis
The Supplemental Security Income and Social Security disability programs are in place to assist people with disabilities. They can provide an income, or supplemented income, source for people who are unable to work due to having a disability.
There are, however, strict stipulations and criteria that have to be met to be deemed eligible to receive Disability. In order to be eligible, a person has to prove two things: their condition meets the SSAs definition of disabled and that their condition renders them unable to work.
The Social Security Disability Insurance program pays benefits to people who have worked for a long enough current period and paid Social Security taxes on their earnings. If they meet both the non-medical and medical criteria and are considered to have limited alternative income resources, they might be paid monthly benefits.
One of the requirements is that the medical condition has to be shown to have lasted, or will last, at least an entire year, or result in death. In the context of scoliosis, we know that as a progressive incurable condition, the first stipulation will be met. It would be a very rare and an extreme case of scoliosis with the potential to result in death, so that stipulation would be harder to meet.
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