Will I qualify for disability if I tried to go back to work?   I have had multiple surgeries due to an injury and had been out of work for 5 years. I am a nurse and was determined to go back to work. I have multiple spinal discs bulging, have had fusions, and many more problems related to the injury. I went back to work and have worked now for a year. As the days went into months, I knew I was hurting myself. The pain has now overtaken my life. Failed back surgery and will always be on meds. My recent MRI is terrible and I am so distressed and depressed. I tried to go back and now I have had to stop working. My question is, because I tried and went back to work for a year, will I qualify for disability? I do not think going back to work will hurt your chances of being approved for disability. However, your disability date of onset would be set at the last day you were able to work at an SGA level. The substantial gainful activity amount for 2014 is one thousand and seventy dollars, gross, per month. This means that the day you stop working or your work is reduced to an earnings amount below that amount per month will be your disability start date for Social Security purposes. Note: to see the current amount: SGA. It seems that you have plenty of objective medical evidence to support a finding of disability, however disability determinations are weighted upon impairment and age. If you are under age 55 you may have a harder time getting approved with your initial disability application, but would most likely be approved if you pursue your disability claim through the Social Security Disability appeal process to a disability hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. I hope this information helps and good luck with your disability claim. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: What kind of cases win disability benefits? - odds of winning Social Security Disability SSI and the Onset Date Disability Approval Chances at the Social Security Reconsideration and Hearing Levels What are the Odds or Chances of Being Approved for Disability? What are my chances of being approved for disability benefits in North Carolina? How far back are Social Security Disability benefits awarded on an appeal? Question about when Social Security Disability Benefits began (date of onset)