Social Security Disability Benefits for Chronic Pain

Individuals living with chronic pain understand the significant impact it has. Those suffering with this medical condition may struggle to get through the day, do simple daily tasks or hold down employment. Chronic pain also makes it difficult for many to enjoy favorite hobbies or activities, which further reduces their quality of life.

Below, our Green Bay Social Security Disability benefits lawyers define chronic pain, discuss the symptoms and explain the process of qualifying for SSDI benefits.

If you struggle with chronic pain, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, but the application process is complex. Trying to complete your application while dealing with daily pain can be overwhelming. It can also lead to multiple mistakes, which could get your application denied.

At Sigman Janssen, we have helped countless clients recover millions in compensation, and we are here to support you during this challenging time. Our firm does not charge upfront fees, and your initial consultation is free.

Request your FREE case review by calling: (877) 888-5201 today.

What Is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain differs from other pain, as it does not quickly conclude. Rather, this pain continues for three months or longer, persisting even after the initial injury has healed. Chronic pain can affect any part of the body.

Common causes of chronic pain include:

• Arthritis: A condition causing inflammation and stiffness in the joints, leading to persistent joint pain.
• Fibromyalgia: A disorder affecting the musculoskeletal system accompanied by widespread pain, sleep disorders, mood changes and memory issues.
• Back injuries: Damage to the spine or surrounding muscles often result in long-term pain and limited mobility.
• Neuropathy: Nerve damage causing chronic pain, tingling, and numbness, typically in the hands and feet.
• Cancer: Individuals with this condition could feel chronic pain as the tumor grows or if the cancer spreads to other parts of the body.

What Symptoms May Indicate That I Have Chronic Pain?

Signs of chronic pain may vary depending on your condition and where your initial injury occurred. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent discomfort: This may manifest as a dull ache, throbbing, burning or shooting pain that lasts for extended periods.
• Fatigue: Chronic pain often leads to fatigue, as your body is constantly dealing with discomfort.
• Sleep disturbances: Pain can interfere with sleep, leading to insomnia or poor-quality sleep.
• Mood changes: Chronic pain can cause irritability, anxiety and depression.
• Decreased mobility: Pain may limit your ability to move or perform daily activities.

Can Chronic Pain Be Managed?

Chronic pain is often a long-term condition that can be managed. Each person’s experience with chronic pain is unique, and treatment plans should be tailored to individual needs and conditions.

Treatment focuses on reducing pain and improving your well-being. Common treatments include:

• Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs and antidepressants can help you to manage symptoms.
• Physical therapy: Stretches and exercises can improve mobility and reduce pain.
• Psychological counseling: Cognitive-behavioral therapy and other forms of counseling can help you cope with the emotional impact of chronic pain.
• Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise and good sleep habits can help manage pain.
• Alternative therapies: Massage and chiropractic care may provide relief for some individuals.

Can I Qualify for Disability for Chronic Pain?

Qualifying for SSDI benefits due to chronic pain can be challenging because pain can be difficult to measure.

To prove eligibility for disability benefits due to chronic pain, you must meet certain guidelines set by the SSA such as:

Identifiable Medical Issues

The SSA requires healthcare professionals to provide objective medical evidence to verify your condition. Your medical records can also help to support your chronic pain claim.

Eligibility for benefits is determined based on the SSA’s Blue Book, which includes conditions like spinal injuries, inflammatory arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease that can cause chronic pain.

Consistent Medical Evidence

Your statements about pain alone are not sufficient. The SSA will consider whether your symptoms and functional limitations are consistent with medical records, such as an examination.

Symptoms Severity and Duration

SSA will evaluate your medical history and review statements from reliable medical experts.

Medical specialists can provide details on how your symptoms affect your daily activities, which could include work.

What Medical Evidence May Help to Support Your Social Disability Claim?

There are a lot of different types of medical evidence that could help to support your claim for SSD benefits.

Work documents or incident reports help to show how your pain impacts and limits your daily activities, such as difficulties with standing, walking, lifting, or concentrating. A physical examination can provide more insight about the location, duration, frequency and intensity of your pain. Certain laboratory tests may help if they indicate the underlying health issues causing your chronic pain. Documentation of current or previous treatments is also helpful, as it can show how your body has responded.

What Steps Should I Take to File a Claim for SSDI Benefits?

Filing an SSDI benefits claim for chronic pain involves several steps. Your attorney can help you with these steps to help you to avoid mistakes that could delay your claim or cause it to be denied.

• Gather medical evidence: Collect all relevant medical records, including diagnostic tests, treatment histories and statements from healthcare providers.
• Complete the SSDI application: Apply online through the SSA website, by phone or at a local SSA office.
• Provide detailed information: Include comprehensive details about your condition, symptoms, treatments and how they affect your ability to work.
• Submit additional documentation: Provide any additional documentation requested by the SSA, such as work history. It can also help if you keep a daily pain journal to document your daily pain levels and how they impact your quality of life.
• Attend medical evaluations: The SSA may require you to attend consultative exams with independent medical professionals.
• Follow up on your claim: Stay in contact with the SSA about your application status and provide any additional information as needed.

It is a good idea to consult with a Social Security disability benefits lawyer. He or she can gather evidence and submit all the supporting documents you need for your claim. Also, if your claims get denied they can help you determine what would be best for you.

Need Help Obtaining SSDI Benefits for Chronic Pain? Call Sigman Janssen

If you are suffering from chronic pain, you do not have to fight for benefits alone. Sigman Janssen has decades of experience representing clients with chronic pain and other disabling conditions. Our Wisconsin Social Security Disability benefits lawyers are dedicated to supporting you.

Our legal services do not involve any upfront costs or fees. Since we operate on contingency, you do not pay us for our services unless we obtain benefits for you.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation at (877) 888-5201.