About SSI & SSDI

In-Depth Condition: Degenerative Disc Disease

Every month we take a deep dive into a specific disability condition. Here’s everything you need to know about degenerative disc disease:

What is it?

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is actually a misnomer since it isn’t a disease at all. It’s simply the normal aging process of the spine. Between each of your vertebrae, you have soft discs of cartilage that act as shock absorbers and allow you to bend and twist freely. When a spinal disc wears down and lose fluid over time, there’s less padding between your vertebrae, which can put pressure on your spinal cord, vertebral discs and spinal nerves. Everyone experiences disc degeneration over time, but people who smoke, do intense amounts of physical labor, or are obese are much more likely to develop DDD and suffer from low back pain.

What are the symptoms?

This condition has a wide spectrum of severity, but the most common symptoms are severe pain in the lower back (also known as lumbar disc disease). Leg pain and neck pain are also very common. In more severe cases DDD can cause loss of mobility, muscle spasm, or even numbness from compromised nerve function.

What is the SSA looking for?

At least 12 months of clinical records on your condition.
Physician treatment notes indicating DDD, lumbar problems, chronic pain, spinal stenosis, disc herniation, or degenerative joint disease (DJD).
Objective evidence of disc deterioration (i.e., x-rays, CAT scans, MRI studies).
Any positive clinical evidence of nerve root compression (i.e., a positive straight-leg test).
Any clinical evidence of arachnoiditis (i.e., imaging results that show swelling of the nerve root).
Any clinical evidence of stenosis (i.e., an MRI showing narrowing of the spinal column).
Evidence that your DDD severely limits your ability to walk, your spinal range of motion, and the amount of time you can sit or stand. Generally the standard is less than two hours.

How can I improve my chances of being approved for disability benefits?

If you’ve been diagnosed with DDD and you’re experiencing enough pain and loss of mobility that you can’t work, you should definitely apply for disability. However, be aware that DDD and back pain are the most common conditions the SSA sees. This means that DDD is not an easy disability to get approved, especially for people younger than 50 years old.

But don’t despair! There are many things you can do to help out your case:

1. See your doctor at least once every two months—Regular medical treatment and an attempt at physical therapy is the key to getting your case approved. Even if you have a strong medical history, your SSA disability examiner will have a very hard time getting you approved if you haven’t talked to your doctor in the past two months.

2. Stick with one doctor—Seeing one doctor frequently will help your case so much more than seeing multiple doctors infrequently. So find a doctor you like and make sure they’re following your case closely. Also be sure that your physician is either a spine surgeon, medical doctor (M.D.), or an osteopath (D.O.). The SSA will not accept diagnosis and treatment from a chiropractor as evidence of DDD.

3. Talk to your doctor about your physical limitations—Another upside of sticking with one doctor is being able to open up to them and explain the particulars of your case. Back pain conditions are often difficult to get approved because they’re mostly based on the pain you’re feeling, so be sure to open up to your doctor and let her know how severe and how chronic your pain is.

4. Verbalize your difficulties with bending, stooping, and crouching—These are the three primary exertional limitations that disability examiners are looking for in DDD cases. So make sure you mention them to your doctor. If you explain your difficulty with tasks that involve bending, stooping, and crouching, chances are these difficulties will end up in your medical notes.

5. Gather at least 12 months of clinical records—Back pain conditions like DDD are known for improving with time, so you’ll need as much evidence as possible that yours is a long-term condition without pain relief. Work with your doctor to pull all of these records together.

6. Make sure you have imaging results—Quality of your medical records is going to be very important in your case, and one of the only ways to prove that your DDD is debilitating is to include imaging tests: MRIs, CT scans, and x-rays of your back or herniated disc. Blood work or clinical notes from licensed physicians, orthopedists, or neurologists will also be helpful.

7. Do a straight-leg test with your doctor—Testing positively on this test while sitting and lying down is a major indicator that your case deserves to be approved. And it’s a very simple test. All you have to do is lift up a straight leg 30 to 70 degrees and tell your doctor when you feel pain in your back.

8. Keep your family and friends in the loop—Disability examiners often call friends and family members of claimants to ask questions about their daily activities. So when you’re in the application process make sure that those close to you know the details of what you can and can’t do. If they know, they’ll be able to share helpful insights with your examiner.

9. Find a disability attorney to represent you—This is a good idea no matter what your condition is, but DDD claimants in particular need extra support to navigate the approval process successfully. Plus working with an attorney that specializes in disability law greatly increases your chances of being approved on your first try.

About SSI & SSDI

SSDI or SSI: What Makes These Programs Different?

If you are disabled, you can receive help from the government in the form of SSDI or SSI. These two programs help disabled citizens pay for their basic needs. However, the two have different criteria for who to award money to and what you might be eligible for.

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is an entitlement program that you can access if you have worked before and paid into Social Security retirement benefits. The program allows you to access those benefits early because you have become disabled. SSI (Social Security Income) is for people who are in special financial need and are disabled. Because this program is funded completely by general taxes, there are stringent requirements that one must fulfill in order to receive it.

Here are some of the main differences between SSDI and SSI:

SSDI

Funded through payroll taxes.
Available to qualified people who have worked for a certain number of years and contributed to the Social Security trust fund through FICA Social Security taxes.
Earned after receiving a certain number of “work credits.”
Eligible for Medicare only after receiving SSDI for two years.
No maximum asset amount requirements.
Must be disabled for a five-month waiting period before receiving benefits.
Spouse and children (over the age of 18) are eligible for partial dependent “auxiliary benefits.”
Must be younger than 65 to qualify.

SSI

Funded by general fund taxes.
Based on financial need.
Awarded according to low income and low assets—does not deal with work history.
Can receive Medicaid if eligible for SSI.
Must have assets less than $2,000 (if single) or $3,000 (if a couple), excluding certain items like primary residence.
Can receive benefits instantly once approved.
No dependent benefits.
Must be blind, disabled, or 65 or older to qualify.

What Do They Have in Common?

SSDI and SSI are both for people who are disabled or blind. However, the eligibility is different when it comes to how old you are. If you are over 65, you can apply for SSI and receive it if your needs match the requirements. SSDI does not cover non-disabled seniors. Those who are not disabled and over the age of 65 are qualified to receive Social Security retirement benefits.

Both programs provide benefits that help take care of your basic needs. Because SSI is a needs-based program, it provides the similar benefit amounts for everyone enrolled. The amount provided by SSI is flexible, meaning you can receive any amount up to the maximum dependent on your need.

On the other hand, SSDI is an entitlement program. Benefits vary according to formulas that the Social Security Administration uses to calculate your specific benefits. The best place to get an estimate of your SSDI benefits is on your Social Security statement. You can see this statement by creating an account on the Social Security Administration’s official website. You can also learn about your Social Security status and other important information at this site.

Even though both the SSI and the SSDI are administered through the Social Security Administration, they have very different application processes. To apply for SSDI, go to the SSA’s online application and follow instructions. SSI is a more difficult process, so we recommend applying at your local Social Security office or on the phone.

About SSI & SSDI

6 Different Types of Service Animals

Did you know that today is National Dog Day? Every August 26, Americans everywhere celebrate the special dogs in their lives. And today we thought we’d celebrate the holiday by talking about service animals.

Animals can help those in need in many ways. A therapy dog is a companion animal that improves mental health by providing assistance to someone with a psychiatric disability, such as post traumatic stress disorder. But these trained dogs can be much more than just a comfort pet.

According to the ADA, a service animal is any animal that provides assistance to a person with a disability. Unlike an emotional support animal for PTSD, service animals also perform tasks to help their owner function normally. This can be anything from supporting them while they walk, retrieving items they drop, or even reminding them to take medication. Traditionally, when we think of a service animal we think of guide dogs for the blind, and for good reason. According to the National Organization on Disability, the vast majority of all services animals are dogs.

1. Miniature horses—This type of service animal has been on the rise in popularity since they’re a great choice for someone with a mobility impairment who needs physical support to walk. Many people who are blind use a miniature horse instead of a guide dog, and there’s actually an entire Guide Horse Foundation for this very purpose. Apparently the miniature horse is really good at its job. The species is naturally cautious, mild-mannered, and sharp-eyed, all of which make for a great assistance animal. And on top of all that, miniature horses can live for up to 30 years. That’s five to seven times longer than your average service dog.But there are actually all kinds of animals that assist people with disabilities. To give you an idea of the variety, here are six animals other than dogs that you probably had no idea could be an awesome service animal:

2. Ferrets—Another unlikely service animal, ferrets have the natural advantages of being easy-going, highly social, and easily transportable. Ferrets make great emotional support animals since they enjoy burrowing close to their owners, which can be extremely comforting to people needing emotional support. But ferrets make great service animals too. These critters are known for alerting their owners when they’re about to experience a seizure, and ferrets can also be trained to wake someone up, remind their owner to take medication, and even interrupt harmful behaviors. Not bad, ferrets.

3. Boa Constrictors—This creature might not be the first animal you’d choose to keep in your home, but they actually make great service animals. These snakes are known for helping patients with bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and panic disorders, and there are even cases when these snakes can be used to prevent medical emergencies. One man in Washington has a friendly boa that will squeeze him more tightly when it senses he’s about to have a seizure, giving him enough time to take his medication or go to a safer location until his seizure passes.

4. Parrots—This is a popular animal for treating psychiatric disorders, namely because many species of parrot have the ability to talk to their owners and deescalate them in stressful situations (something a psychiatric service dog can’t do). A great example of this a man named Jim Eggers from St. Louis who relies on his service parrot, Sadie. The parrot has been trained to repeat the mantra, “It’s OK, Jim. Calm down, Jim. You’re all right, Jim. I’m here, Jim” to calm Jim down whenever she senses he’s about to have a violent episode. Jim used to say the mantra to himself, but now with Sadie’s help he can pre-empt episodes even before they start. Sadie is also trained to alert Jim when someone comes to the door and when he leaves the faucet running.

5. Potbelly pigs—Both highly intelligent and mild-mannered, potbellied pigs can be trained to do all the same functions as the traditional service dog. The only difference is that they’re far cleaner than dogs and also don’t shed as much. Sounds like a good bargain. Plus this particular species is known for being good with kids. Lois Brady from California takes her service pig Buttercup to schools to visit children on the autism spectrum. Since most children don’t have any preconceived ideas about pigs, Brady has found that fewer students are afraid of Buttercup than of a big dog. The pig’s gentle nature also come in handy when he encounters students with aggressive tendencies that would probably make a dog turn around and attack.

6. Capuchin Monkeys—Another very exotic service animal choice is the capuchin monkey. These little helpers are native to South America and weigh about 6 to 10 pounds. Capuchins are especially talented at grasping and retrieving, which makes them invaluable companions for quadriplegics and other disabilities that affect fine motor skills. These monkey can perform nearly any specific task: bringing water, fetching phones, performing basic chores, opening doors, and even feeding someone. There’s an entire organization in Boston called Monkey Helpers that trains little capuchins to be the hands for people who can’t use their own.

Want to read more about service animals? Check out our blog post on how to register a service animal.

About SSI & SSDI

Social Security Updates for July 2015

Like any government institution, Social Security is always changing. If you’re interested in what’s happening in Congress right now, here’s a peek at some current 2015 legislation regarding Social Security:

Ensuring Access to Clinical Trials Act of 2015 (July 16)

This bill allows people receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to participate in clinical trials freely. Because many of these individuals have rare diseases or disabling conditions, they’re often eligible to participate in paid clinical trials. Congress passed a bill in 2009 excluding this compensation from SSI, but the bill was set to expire in October of 2015. The Ensuring Access to Clinical Trials Act of 2015 will effectively remove the expiration date and allow these people to continue participating in clinical trials without the danger of losing their benefits. The bill passed through the Senate with unanimous consent and will now move to the House for further consideration.

Federal Improper Payments Coordination Act of 2015 (July 28)

This bill is designed to grant federal U.S. agencies access to the SSA’s death records through the Do Not Pay (DNP) Initiative in an attempt to prevent and recover improper or duplicate payments. The SSA already shares its death records for research and statistical purposes, but this bill will be improving the sharing and use of the SSA’s data in order to prevent fraud. The bill passed through the Senate with unanimous consent and will now move to the House for further consideration. You can visit the SSA’s website to read more about this bill.

2015 Trustees Report

Every year the Social Security Board of Trustees releases its annual report to Congress. As usual the report showed a surplus of Social Security funds, a nearly $25 billion surplus so far this year. But the board is still projecting that the Social Security Disability Insurance Trust Fund will be depleted in late 2016. Not surprisingly they’re encouraging lawmakers to at least temporarily increase resources to meet the current disability financial needs before 2016. Otherwise disability benefits will need to be cut by 20 percent.

In the past Congress has rebalanced Social Security’s funds to ward off shortfalls, but expansion of the program is another popular option that might occur. Or abolition of the program altogether. How Congress plans to respond remains to be seen, but the Social Security Trustees seem to be in agreement that whatever Congress decides to do, they should do it fast.

Check out the SSA’s website to read the full synopsis of the Trustees Report.