Living with chronic back pain is more than just an annoyance, it’s also very painful and, at times, can even be debilitating. If you suffer chronic back pain, you know how difficult everyday tasks can be when the pain is at its worst.
There are several conditions that can lead to chronic back pain, such as:
- Degenerative disc disease (DDD)
- A herniated disc
- Sciatica
- A bulging disc
- Spinal stenosis
- Sacroiliitis
- Osteoporosis
If you live with any of these conditions, you may be able to receive long-term disability benefits. Here’s what you’ll need to do in order to build the best case:
You Must Prove Your Condition Is Disabling
Most cases of chronic back pain are, unfortunately, not slam dunk cases for long-term disability benefits. If you’ve ever tried to use your benefits with any kind of insurance company, you know how difficult it can be to recover the compensation you deserve.
Here are some steps you can take to build the best possible case:
Obtain a Diagnosis and Treatment
It’s best to get regular treatment from your doctors and specialists, receive diagnostic testing and medical imaging, and be sure to follow the treatments prescribed to you. Your benefits are more likely to be denied if you fail to execute the recommended treatments in their entirety.
In addition, if you suffer from mental health complications along with chronic back pain, it’s wise to seek care from a psychologist, psychiatrist, or another mental health professional.
Be Sure Your Limitations Are Documented By Your Physician
It’s in your best interest to have the specialist treating you examine your functional limitations on a Residual Functional Capacity form or in a narrative report. Any restrictions you face should be documented, including:
- Lifting
- Carrying
- Sitting
- Standing
- Walking
- Stooping
- Bending
The report should also note any incidental limitations, such as fatigue and concentration difficulties, particularly if they are debilitating enough to cause you to miss work often or take unscheduled breaks.
It’s best for your case that your physician is as detailed as possible in the report.
Obtain Other Statements and Opinions
It’s a good idea to also gather statements from friends, family members, and colleagues that depict their interpretation of your physical limitations.
We’re Here to Help
If you suffer from debilitating back pain and you need to use your long-term disability benefits, it’s best to have a skilled attorney on your side. We have helped many others in similar situations, and we may be able to help you, too. Don’t delay—reach out right away with any questions you may have.
Call Dabdoub Law Firm today at (800) 969-0488 to speak with an experienced attorney about your case.
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