Spinal stenosis disability without surgery

[Cross Hair]

After dealing with lumbar stenosis for the last two years I have exhausted all the conservative treatment options (except acupuncture) and the doctor says my only option is back surgery which I do not want to have because of the horror stories.

I'm 57, if I apply for disability will they deny benefits if I have refused the surgery?

 

[xylene]

Get a second opinion.

 

[Cross Hair]

Two doctors, same opinion.

 

[Taxing Matters]

I'm 57, if I apply for disability will they deny benefits if I have refused the surgery?

It is a possibility that you would be denied SSA disability benefits. It is the policy of the SSA that a failure to follow recommended treatment or to get a recommended procedure that might restore your ability to work would result in a determination that you are not under a disability, with the result that SSA will not approve benefits. See the policy here: SSA policy statement SSR 82-59.

 

[justalayman]

It is possible to have spinal stenosis and not be disabled. It depends on the severity of the matter and whether you are disabled by the spinal stenosis. Two different people can have the same malady and depending on what each does for their regular work and the severity of their conditions, one could be classified as disabled and the other not.


Btw; I have a friend who has spinal stenosis. He worked for at least 20 years after his diagnosis. He has also had a procedure to alleviate the symptoms, several times. Given he has repeated the surgery I would take that as him recommending the procedure.