Can You Get Disability for Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis can cause intense pain, making tasks such as walking, standing, and lifting difficult. Frequently, those with spinal stenosis find that the condition makes it impossible to work a full-time job. Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, was designed to help those who can’t work, but applying can be challenging.
Navigating the maze of Social Security paperwork and assessments isn’t always easy, but assistance is available. For years, Disability Advice has helped hardworking people across the country access the Social Security Disability Insurance benefits they’ve already paid into. If you’re seeking disability for spinal stenosis or another condition, we’re here for you.
What Is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that places additional pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. It’s more common as you age, as the tendons holding your spinal disks in place become harder, while the disks may deteriorate and bulge. Osteoarthritis can also contribute to disk deterioration. Other causes that can contribute to spinal stenosis include traumatic spine injuries, rheumatoid arthritis, and spinal tumors. Sometimes, patients are simply born with an abnormally narrow spinal canal.
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows, leaving insufficient room for the spinal nerves. Think of it like a crowded tunnel that suddenly becomes even narrower: when traffic increases or there’s an obstacle, movement slows or stops completely, causing congestion and frustration. Similarly, when spinal nerves become crowded due to this narrowing, they become compressed, triggering pain and discomfort. Usually, the pain is concentrated in the lower back, often shooting down into the legs, especially after prolonged standing, walking, or exercising.
Individuals with spinal stenosis frequently find temporary relief by sitting down or leaning forward—positions that slightly open the spinal canal, reducing nerve compression. Conversely, symptoms often worsen when standing straight or bending backward, as these postures further narrow the space around the nerves.
Spinal stenosis can sometimes be managed effectively with nonsurgical treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, or steroid injections. However, in severe or persistent cases, surgery may be necessary to widen the spinal canal and alleviate pressure on the nerves, restoring comfort and mobility.
Symptoms of spinal stenosis vary depending on the severity and where exactly your spinal canal has narrowed. Symptoms that reduce your quality of life and make it difficult to work include:
- Back or neck pain
- Radiating pain in the arms and legs
- Numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness
- Difficulty walking or standing in one position for a long time
More severe cases of spinal stenosis may also affect your bladder, bowels, and sexual function.
Can Spinal Stenosis Qualify for Disability Benefits?
Yes, you can qualify for disability benefits with spinal stenosis. However, a diagnosis isn’t enough. You must meet strict eligibility requirements, showing that your condition is severe and limits your ability to maintain substantial gainful employment for at least 12 months.
The amount of SSDI benefits you may receive depends on your earnings history and how much you have paid into the disability insurance system through payroll taxes.
SSA Listing of Impairments for Spinal Stenosis – Listing 1.16
The Social Security Administration has strict criteria for approving disability benefits for spinal stenosis, as provided by its Listing of Impairments, previously referred to as the Blue Book.
Listing 1.16 requires applicants to have lumbar spinal stenosis resulting in the compromise of the cauda equina, and all the following:
- Chronic pain or numbness in your legs
- Signs of neurological involvement, such as muscle weakness or a decrease in sensation
- Imaging that confirms nerve root involvement
- Difficulty walking or performing daily tasks without assistive devices
Cauda equina syndrome occurs when the nerve roots in the lumbar spine are compressed (squeezed), cutting off sensation and movement.
What Medical Evidence Do You Need to Prove Your Case?
Collecting evidence for your spinal stenosis SSDI case may require appointments with different doctors and specialists. For instance, MRI or CT imaging showing nerve compression or a narrowed spinal canal can be quite helpful. You may also want to receive a neurological assessment that shows a loss of reflexes or sensory information. Most importantly, SSA will need any copies of surgical or operative procedures undertaken to relieve the cauda equina syndrome.
Your doctor can also provide notes describing how spinal stenosis affects your life and what your prognosis is.
Meanwhile, keep a diary of your symptoms and how they interfere with your ability to perform daily tasks. Keep notes of doctor’s appointments and physical therapy sessions, list any assistive devices you use, and document your pain levels. Keep track of how you respond to different treatments, too.
What If You Don’t Meet or Equal the Listing Criteria?
If your condition doesn’t meet or equal the criteria mentioned in Listing 1.16, you may still qualify for SSDI. Evaluators will then proceed to assess your residual functional capacity, or RFC, which is your ability to perform work-related tasks despite your limitations.
The RFC is determined by SSA through the Disability Examiner and State Agency Medical Consultant. Basically, the RFC is the most an applicant can do on a sustained basis.
The RFC assessment includes multiple parts:
- Exertional Functions
- Lifting/Carrying (pounds & frequency)
- Standing/Walking (hours per 8-hour day)
- Sitting (hours per 8-hour day)
2. Postural & Manipulative Functions
- Climbing ramps/ladders, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling
- Reaching (overhead/other), handling, fingering, feeling
3. Environmental Restrictions
- Extreme temperatures, humidity, vibration, fumes, hazards, noise, bright lights
4. Mental/Cognitive Limitations
- Understanding, remembering, or carrying out instructions (simple vs. detailed)
- Sustaining attention and pace (concentration, persistence)
- Social interaction (coworkers, supervisors, public)
- Adapting to changes, setting goals, independent judgment
5. Other Functional Capacities
- Visual, communicative, or seizure-related restrictions
- Pain-related or fatigue-related reductions substantiated by objective medical evidence and symptom analysis.
The SSA will assess your RFC in the context of your work history and age. It will determine whether your disability prevents you from doing your past relevant work, and then determine whether you can perform other jobs.
Testimony from your doctors and medical records showing ongoing limitations from your spinal stenosis are especially useful in demonstrating your RFC. If you need help gathering the documentation, a disability attorney can help.
Common Reasons Claims for Spinal Stenosis Get Denied
Collecting and submitting compelling evidence is key to getting your spinal stenosis disability claim approved. Evaluators can only assess your condition based on the information you provide.
Common reasons for claim denial include the following:
- Insufficient or missing medical imaging
- Insufficient or vague medical records
- Gaps in your medical treatment or signs that you’re not following the recommended therapies
- Lack of documentation about how your symptoms affect your ability to work
- Lack of documentation about mobility challenges or the use of mobility devices
- Not following prescribed treatment to include not refilling medications
- Skipping scheduled office visits or appointments
- Not insured for SSDI benefits
- Not submitting the forms requested by SSA or the DDS disability examiner
- Not attending a scheduled consultative examination
An SSDI denial isn’t the end of the road. In fact, the majority of disability claims are initially denied. If you’ve received a denial letter, speak with an SSDI representative who can help you build a successful appeal.
How Disability Advice Can Help You Qualify for SSDI
SSDI was designed to provide security to those with a disabling condition that prevents employment. If you’ve worked and paid into Social Security, you’re entitled to benefits when your spinal stenosis prevents you from working.
However, approval for those benefits requires presenting a strong case and navigating a maze of paperwork. That’s where Disability Advice comes in. We can connect you with experienced and skilled lawyers and advocates who have helped thousands of disabled Americans access the benefits they’ve earned to care for themselves and their families.
Contact us today to learn more about disability for spinal stenosis and how we can help you get the benefits you deserve.
FAQs About Spinal Stenosis and Disability
Below are some answers to common questions we receive. If you have additional questions, reach out to us to learn more.
How Long Does It Take To Get Approved for SSDI With Spinal Stenosis?
According to the SSA, the average SSDI initial claim takes 232 days to be processed. However, many individuals with spinal stenosis may experience one or more denials before receiving benefits.
Do I Need To Use a Walker or Cane To Qualify?
Not necessarily. While the Listing for spinal stenosis requires the use of a mobility device, you might still qualify for SSDI by fulfilling other requirements, or if you have multiple conditions. Talk to a representative to learn more about your particular case.
Can I Work Part-Time and Still Get Benefits?
You are not allowed to receive SSDI if you earn income that represents substantial gainful activity or SGA. If you earn less than $1,620 a month in 2025, you may still receive SSDI benefits. The limit for blind individuals is $2,700 a month.
What if Spinal Stenosis Is One of Several Conditions I Have?
When you apply for disability, evaluators will take a look at all of your medical conditions and how they interact. If your spinal stenosis doesn’t meet the Listing criteria, you may qualify for SSDI under a different definition, or your combined conditions may impact your RFC. Talk to a skilled advocate to learn more about qualifying conditions.
- Free case evaluation
- Assist with denied claims
- Ensure you have all documents
- Make the process easy for you
- What Is Spinal Stenosis?
- Can Spinal Stenosis Qualify for Disability Benefits?
- What Medical Evidence Do You Need to Prove Your Case?
- What If You Don’t Meet or Equal the Listing Criteria?
- Common Reasons Claims for Spinal Stenosis Get Denied
- How Disability Advice Can Help You Qualify for SSDI
- FAQs About Spinal Stenosis and Disability
“Professionalism at its best. From intake to getting my claim started, they are the ones you need. 100% recommend to everyone.”
Pablo P.
“Having never gone through this process before, it was very easy and straightforward. VERY professional and polite.”
Alan A.
“I had a great experience with my representative. She was very friendly and she made the process very easy. I’m glad I had the pleasure to work with her in filing my claim. She provided great customer service.”
Dana C.
“I was very nervous about reaching out for help with disability benefits. This experience was so much easier than what I thought it would be. They were understanding and supportive, and answered all of my questions. I would highly recommend them.”
Alice P.
“One of the best customer service experiences I have ever had. Patient and kind and couldn’t of made my experience better. Thank you for all the help.”
Jama M.
“I was very pleased and impressed by the advocate. I feel that my chances of receiving my disability benefits are more likely to come in a timely manner.”
Danny C.
Fill in the form below and let us know how we can help you!
"*" indicates required fields
“Professionalism at its best. From intake to getting my claim started, they are the ones you need. 100% recommend to everyone.”
Pablo P.
“Having never gone through this process before, it was very easy and straightforward. VERY professional and polite.”
Alan A.
“I had a great experience with my representative. She was very friendly and she made the process very easy. I’m glad I had the pleasure to work with her in filing my claim. She provided great customer service.”
Dana C.
“I was very nervous about reaching out for help with disability benefits. This experience was so much easier than what I thought it would be. They were understanding and supportive, and answered all of my questions. I would highly recommend them.”
Alice P.
“One of the best customer service experiences I have ever had. Patient and kind and couldn’t of made my experience better. Thank you for all the help.”
Jama M.
“The person I spoke with was very knowledgeable and very thorough with answering all of my questions and making sure all my information was correct. He was very patient, kind, and was very helpful. I wasn’t sure if I would qualify, and he checked and took all of my information. The process was made very easy, thank you so much for your help.”
Patrice I.