This post discusses . If you or someone you care for is suffering from Arachnoiditis, continue reading for how the SSA will evaluate your claim for .
When the arachnoid, a membrane that protects the nerves of the , becomes inflamed it causes severe stinging, burning and neurological issues (Via WebMD ). The arachnoid mater has a spider-web appearance (hence its name) that connects the dura mater and pia mater. Arachnoid, dura and pia are all meninges whose primary function is to protect and support the central nervous system (via ThoughtCo ).
When the meninges are compromised, the central nervous system is exposed. This results in inflammation. Arachnoiditis can be caused by , chemicals, infections, chronic compression of or complications from invasive surgeries. Furthermore, there is concern that epidural steroid injections contain chemicals that may cause Arachnoiditis (Via WebMD ).
There are different types of Arachnoiditis: adhesive arachnoiditis (AA), arachnoiditis ossificans, cerebral arachnoiditis, hereditary arachnoiditis, neoplastic arachnoiditis, optochiasmatic arachnoiditis, postmyelographic arachnoiditis and rhinosinusogenic cerebral arachnoiditis.
Adhesive Arachnoiditis cases were first seen 20-30 years ago when pantopaque dye was first used for myelograms. But with the introduction of the MRI, new cases of AA decreased. Unfortunately, with the use of epidural corticosteroid steroid injections, new diagnoses of AA continue. Arachnoiditis is known to clinicians as one of the worst conditions (Via Practical Management ).
The offers two types of to those who are found disabled, (SSDI) and (SSI). SSDI is based on the credits from the work that you have done in your life, while SSI is a need based program.
The first step is to apply for online, by phone or at your local SSA office. After you apply for , your case will be sent to your local equivalent of Determination Services (DDS) (different states have different names for DDS). DDS will gather your records and ask you to fill out various forms. Your case will be evaluated under SSA's Five Step Sequential Evaluation by a disability examiner. For more on the process read .
As we have discussed before, the name of your impairment is usually not as important as the severity of your symptoms. Are your Arachnoiditis symptoms preventing you from working?
There are three ways to attain based on Arachnoiditis: The SSA Listings, the Grid Rules and on a combination of your impairments.
evaluates spinal nerve disorders that originate in the nervous system (), under the neurological disorders body system, 11.00. These listings require showing objective (MRI, myelogram, blood work showing elevated inflammation markers, physical exam findings, etc.) and subjective (your symptoms, response to treatment) proof your arachnoiditis. In addition to proving that you have arachnoiditis, you also have to meet 11.08 to be found disabled under the listings.
Listing 11.08, Disorders , requires complete loss of function or extreme disorganization of motor function in two extremities or a combination of marked physical and mental dysfunction. This listing, like most listings, is extremely difficult to meet. You will be unable to work long before you meet the listing due to and loss of function.
The Medical Vocational Guidelines (The Grids) may help if you are 50 or older and have difficulty standing, sitting or walking due to . And lastly, if you have complications or additional impairments, all your symptoms will be evaluated to determine, based on the combination, that you are unable to engage in substantial gainful activity.
You may also be found disabled based on the combination of your impairments. In addition to arachnoiditis, you may have syringomyelia, or other . If the symptoms from all your impairments prevent you from working, SSA may consider you disabled. However, you must have to support your .
In my practice, I have only seen one or two individuals with arachnoiditis. In those cases, the arachnoiditis arose from chronic compression of the (). These clients described extreme (electric shock type) that was almost impossible to endure. Even if you do not meet Listing 11.08, you should still apply for as soon as possible. Also, AA is a rare disorder, and it would help your case immensely to obtain an opinion from your doctor explaining how AA is affecting you and your ability to work.
If you have been assessed with Arachnoiditis and are unable to work, The Bishop Law Firm represents Social Security Disability clients in Raleigh, Durham, Fayetteville, Cary, Rocky Mount, Wilson, Smithfield, Louisburg, Chapel Hill, Roanoke Rapids , Winston Salem, Garner, Greensboro, Greenville and surrounding areas in North Carolina. Call us today for a free case review, (919) 615-3095.
Also read NC Social Security Disability Lawyer
