Degenerative Disc Disease Support Group

Degeneration of the intervertebral disc, which is often called "degenerative disc disease" (DDD) of the spine, DDD is in fact a condition that can be painful and can greatly affect the quality of one's life. While disc degeneration is not a normal part of aging and for most people is not a problem, for certain individuals a degenerated disc can cause severe constant...

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DDD and applying for Disability

cherbears
cherbears
I'm on LTD . Has anyone have difficulty applying for Government or work disability with DDD as your diagnosis? And did you have to do a functional capacity test? Can you describe the functional test?

My first MRI showed herniated L5-S1 herniated disc and annular tear and nerve impinging L5 exiting nerve and I was unable to barely walk and never went back to work.

My mild DDD showed up on my second MRI over a year after my injury showing the DDD throughout my lumbar spine with mild narrowing between L1-L2 and still have sciatica the same as if I had my herniated disc but herniation was not seen on my second MRI and still disabled so I had to apply for work disability and government disability. Thanks. CB.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I don't think having JUST DDD would cut it. I think you'd have to have plenty of proof of other problems than that. You'd have to show how your pain has affected your life, and kept you from participating in normal activities. You'd have to show the L5-S1 herniation, etc. Anything and everything would have to be brought out.

Usually the first time you're denied. After you get your first denial, then you can hire an attorney under contingency ~ you pay nothing, and he gets a percentage of your back pay when you win. It can be NO MORE than 25%. Most people go this way. But before you can hire an attorney, you HAVE to be denied one time.

Yes, I had to do a functional capacity test. You better not turn it down. They test you on every single thing you can think of that you can do. Push, pull, squat, stand, sit, lift,repetive motion. If ANY of these things hurt you to do, you must tell them, and they'll stop making you do them and rate you on your ability to do it. This test lasts about 2 hours, possibly longer. There were times I had to lay down, as my back was screaming.

Best of luck ~ maybe you'll get lucky and get approved on disability the first time. some people do. Hugs, Lee
cherbears
cherbears
Thanks Lee-I also have sciatica and numb lower leg and foot and the pain is bad and wouldn't be able to get up after 2-3 squats! EMG nerve test showed compression of L4-L5 nerve. I've been off work over 2.7 years. DDD usually follows a back injury and herniation about a year after as the permanent damage from the original injury. Can't return to my job as I have to take narcotics. Thanks for the answer.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have ddd, and was recently denied, the vocational person said I should still be able to do fastfood, greeter or host, or cashier, I take very powerful narcartics, and I am down sometime for 3 days, I am so frustrated, I use to make 980.00 per week, I need help someone. pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeaase!
Superduck
Superduck
@OP and finevet...

there is a SSD forum in this (DDD) section of chats.

Many people have offered their experience and advice for those applying for SSDI. Take a look, you may find some good information.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I took the Full Capacity test and scored lower than 5% of healthy employed. Do it.. and don't takek you meds for 24 hours to get your true results! I have been denied once but am going to appeal. (you usually do in all cases!). Also if you are working then they will deny you without even looking into the medical portion of your claimm. so if you are out for surgery or any other reason that is the time to PUSH for Social serviced to assist you in getting the help and advocacy you need. Don't give up. because they will get you medicare and pay back wages from the time you first applied. I recommend applying asap and when you get denied GET an attorny that will only take a SMALL percentage of your back pay! look around! Please keep me posted sweetie, i will let you know how my battle is going. But I am damaging my body so bad by working 25-30 hours a week.. There is no reason we should have to continue to lower this already low quality of life by working even if it is a break for 1-2 years, you can spend that time looking into new clinical trials, healing, resting and adding a few years of functioning to your life. Good luck!