Chronic Pain Disability Benefits

Is Chronic Pain a Disability?

The short answer is no. SSA does not consider chronic pain a disability and there is no Blue Book listing. Furthermore, you need to prove that your disorder is severe and has been lasting for 12 months or more. 

Long-term pain is not a stand-alone disability. In order to qualify for Social Security benefits, you will need to prove that your chronic pain is connected to another underlying condition that is recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA). For example, if you have chronic back pain, you will need to prove that it is a result of an underlying medical condition such as degenerative disc disease or herniated discs.

The severity of your disorder must be disabling, meaning that it prevents you from performing basic work activities such as standing, walking, lifting, doing math, reading, or speaking. The SSA will consider the effects of your chronic pain on your daily life and the extent to which it affects your ability to work.

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), there should be no discrimination between individuals having chronic pain disabilities and those with other types of disabilities. It may also include those who are recovering from opioid and other substance use disorders.

If you suffer from chronic pain, it is important to keep detailed records of your condition and treatment. You should keep track of the type of pain you experience, how often it occurs, and when it is at its worst. You should also document any treatments or medications that you have tried, as well as how effective they were. You will need to provide this information in order to qualify for disability benefits.

It is important to note that the SSA has strict guidelines and requirements for filing a disability claim. If you are suffering from chronic pain, it is highly recommended that you contact an experienced disability attorney to guide you through the process. They can review your case and help determine if you have a valid claim.

What is chronic pain?

Chronic pain may last for months or years. Furthermore, it can occur in different parts of the body. Suffering from chronic pain can contribute to the development of mood disorders like depression and anxiety.

People who suffer from chronic pain often experience a decrease in their quality of life. They may have difficulty performing basic daily functions, such as getting out of bed or walking up the stairs. Furthermore, they may be unable to work due to their condition and have difficulty participating in activities that they previously enjoyed.

Chronic pain can be the result of an injury or illness, and it can also be caused by psychological factors. For example, someone who has experienced trauma may develop chronic pain even after the injury or illness has healed. The effects of chronic pain can be debilitating, and those who suffer from it should not be ashamed to seek help.

Common symptoms of chronic pain syndrome

Chronic pain is not the same as acute pain, and it can cause a range of physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms. Acute pain is usually short-term and is caused by a specific event or injury. Chronic pain, on the other hand, can last for an extended period of time and can be caused by a variety of factors.

Common symptoms associated with chronic pain include:

• A persistent, dull ache;
• Joint pain;
• Muscle aches;
• Burning pain;
• Fatigue;
• Sleep problems;
• Loss of stamina due to decreased activity;
• Mood problems; and more.

If your chronic pain has occurred due to some other injury, illness, or psychological condition, then you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. For example, if your chronic pain is linked to back injuries (listing 1.15 or listing 1.16), chronic renal disease (listing 6.02), or inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBD) (listing 5.06), then you may be eligible for disability benefits.

Causes of chronic pain

Chronic pain can have several causes. It can be the result of an injury, a medical condition such as arthritis or fibromyalgia, or it can be caused by psychological factors.

Some of the most common causes of chronic pain include:

• Injury;
• Chronic illness or disease;
• Repetitive motion injuries;
• Stress;
• and psychological factors, such as depression or anxiety.

Some medical conditions that often lead to chronic pain include sciatica, arthritis, diabetes, migraine, and injury.

Can you get disability for chronic pain?

If your chronic pain is preventing you from any work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits. Qualifying for disability can be a difficult task. It is because the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines disability strictly as to who will be taken into consideration under the disabling category and who will not.

As mentioned, chronic pain does not have a listing of impairments in the Social Security Administration’s Listing of Impairments. To be considered for disability, you will need to provide evidence that your chronic pain is caused by a medical condition or disability that is recognized by the SSA. For example, if you have a specific condition that causes chronic pain, such as inflammatory bowel disease or fibromyalgia, then the SSA may consider this to be a disabling condition.

However, it is typically very difficult to qualify for SSDI benefits for an underlying condition that causes chronic pain because other symptoms of the condition must also be proven for an individual to be eligible for benefits. In some cases, qualifying through a reduced functional capacity (RFC) evaluation may be necessary.

How to Apply for Chronic Pain disability?

The SSA may find you eligible for disability for chronic pain only when you show medical records. The records may include lab tests, the outcome of a physical exam, or x-ray reports. The examiner of the claim will be searching for evidence that will prove your physical impairment is producing severe symptoms.

To apply for SSDI benefits due to chronic pain, you will need to gather evidence and complete the disability application process. This includes submitting medical records, filing a disability report, and appearing in front of an administrative law judge if necessary. It is important to be well-prepared when applying for disability benefits, as it can take a long time to receive a decision.

How to apply through Reduced Functional Capacity (RFC) Evaluation?

A representative of the SSA may determine that you are disabled due to your chronic pain through a reduced functional capacity (RFC) evaluation. During the RFC evaluation, a representative of the SSA will assess your physical and mental limitations caused by the chronic pain. The representative may also consider any treatments you have received, such as medications or physical therapy.

Pain is subjective and difficult to prove, so it is important to provide as much evidence as possible for your RFC evaluation. This includes medical records, doctor notes, and a description of your physical and mental limitations due to chronic pain. Medication records, therapy notes, and statements from a support system such as family members or friends can also be helpful in showing how your chronic pain is impacting your ability to function.

A detailed description of your daily activities and how your pain affects them may also be helpful. This will show the representative of the SSA how your life has changed due to your chronic pain and provide insight into your disability.

If the representative finds that your chronic pain is limiting your ability to work, they may find you eligible for disability benefits. This means that even though your chronic pain does not appear on the SSA’s Listing of Impairments, you can still receive benefits if your RFC evaluation shows that your pain is disabling.

Getting legal help with your chronic pain disability claim

The process of filing for disability due to chronic pain can be lengthy and complicated. Seeking legal help from an experienced Social Security Disability attorney may be beneficial. An attorney can help you prepare a strong application, assemble the necessary medical records, and represent you if your case goes before an administrative law judge. To schedule a free consultation, contact us or call us today at 1-888-774-7243.