Scoliosis and Social Security Disability

Scoliosis is a condition where a person experiences an abnormal curvature in the spine. As a matter of fact, a normal amount of curvature is required if the spine is to function properly. When the curvature is above normal, the patient develops an abnormal leaning posture. This condition is called as scoliosis. Scoliosis is not a type of back pain. It is more in the nature of a deformity. The word scoliosis had its origin in the Greek word “skoliosis” which means crooked.

This deformity is noticed mostly in children and very rarely in adults. If the deformity manifests itself in adult human beings, then chances are that the condition went unnoticed during childhood. It is very difficult to ascertain the causes of scoliosis. Heredity, muscle imbalances and weakness of the bones are some of the reasons. Women and children are more prone to this condition than men.

People sometimes want to claim benefits through their disability and often they cite spine disorders as their prime impairment. In the manuals or the blue book of the Social Security Disability Administration it is not specifically mentioned as to whether people with scoliosis are entitled to any benefits. Whether people suffering from scoliosis will get any benefit, depends upon approval of what is known as the medical vocational allowance.

Briefly speaking, in the case of an SSDI application, it is always determined if the applicant can return to past work. If that is deemed not possible then it is determined if the applicant can be given any form of alternative work. If that also is not possible then the applicant’s case will be approved for a medical vocational allowance. Thus in most of the cases it is through this route that people claim the social security disability benefits.

One way or the other, scoliosis is a severe condition where surgery and bracing are the only viable options available for a permanent solution.