Chronic pain can be debilitating, impacting your personal relationships, restricting your hobbies, and especially affecting your ability to work. While Social Security Disability insurance is designed to support those suffering from serious medical impairments, patients with chronic pain often have difficulty getting the benefits they deserve. Whether or not you qualify will depend on your medical diagnosis and the source of your chronic pain symptoms.

What Is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is a consistent or recurring source of discomfort—and can range from a dull ache to a sharp, throbbing sensation. It can be related to an original injury, such as a serious fall or accident, or be a symptom of a diagnosed medical condition.   In some cases, doctors may be unable to find a source at all.

Qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance With Chronic Pain

To be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance, applicants must have a medically diagnosed condition that makes it impossible to maintain a full-time job. This diagnosis must be supported by objective evidence, including x-rays MRIs, lab testing and medical records documenting a patient’s symptoms.   On its own, chronic pain is usually just a symptom pointing to another medical condition, but there are some diagnoses when no clear objective evidence is found, which under the law can still constitute severe impairment resulting in a disability finding.  

Fortunately, many of the conditions that cause the body to hurt for long periods are included in the Social Security Administration’s Listing of Impairments, a catalog of illnesses that meet the criteria for disability. Even if your condition is not included in the list, you may still be able to receive disability benefits if you can show that your prognosis makes it impossible for you to work in any capacity.

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits is a difficult, often frustrating process, especially for those suffering from chronic pain. The team of certified representatives at Disability Claim Consultants have over 40 years of combined experience guiding Omaha, NE, applicants through the system, working to get the support you need. Visit their website to see how they can help you apply for benefits or call (402) 422-1000 to set up a meeting today.