What are the disability requirements for degenerative disc disease?   Social Security impairment listing, 1.04 Disorders of the spine, provides the medical criteria need to be approved for disability benefits if you are disabled due to degenerative disc disease. The listing requires that you have a diagnosis of herniated nucleus pulposus (ruptured disc), spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, facet arthritis, arachnoiditis, or vertebral fracture that results in a compromise of the nerve root or the spinal cord. With: *Verification of nerve root compression, evidenced by neuro-anatomic distribution of pain, limitation of movement of the spine, loss of motor function (atrophy with muscle weakness or muscle weakness) along with loss of sensory and reflexes, and in the case of a lower back issue there must be a positive straight-leg raising test (sitting and supine). OR *Spinal arachnoiditis, verified with an operative note or pathology report of a tissue biopsy or any other medically acceptable imaging, characterized by severe burning or painful dysesthesia (impairment of any sense, especially of the sense of touch, often a painful, persistent sensation induced by a gentle touch of the skin), resulting in the need to change position or posture move than one time every two hours. OR *Lumbar spinal stenosis that results in pseudoclaudication, evidenced by findings of a medically acceptable imaging, manifested by chronic nonradicular pain and weakness, that result in an inability to effectively ambulate (walk). Resources: 1. Applying for disability with Degenerative Disc Disease 2. Degenerative joint disease and Filing for Disability 3. Denied for disability with degenerative disc disease 4. Disability claims involving spinal stenosis, arachnoiditis, degenerative disc disease 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 are the disability requirements for degenerative disc disease? Can I file for disability for degenerative disc disease if I am still working? Social Security Disability criteria for degenerative disc disease? What if my disability claim for degenerative disc disease is denied? Will I get Social Security Disability back pay? Can I get permanent Social Security Disability How much does Social Security Disability SSI pay? Winning disability benefits, how do I win? How to win your disability benefits How to apply for disability for medical conditions Social Security Disability application, how to apply, file How long to get a disability hearing decision answer?