Are you struggling with severe pain in your neck that prevents you from working or performing daily tasks? If your neck pain stems from a pinched nerve, also called cervical radiculopathy, you might qualify for Social Security disability benefits if your symptoms meet specific rules. Not many people know about cervical radiculopathy disability benefits, so make sure you talk to a lawyer right away.
What Is Cervical Radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy develops when a nerve in the neck becomes pinched or irritated. The cervical spine contains nerves that travel from the spinal cord to the shoulders, arms, and hands. When something puts pressure on one of these nerves, it can cause chronic pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along the nerve’s path. Many people describe the discomfort as radiating from the neck into the arm or hand.
Cervical radiculopathy can occur for several reasons. For example, a herniated disc in the cervical spine may press on a nerve root, causing nerve compression. Similarly, age-related changes like bone spurs or degeneration of the spinal discs can also narrow the spaces where nerves exit the spine. In some cases, an injury to the neck may trigger symptoms.
Is Cervical Radiculopathy a Disability?
Cervical radiculopathy may qualify as a disability, but it depends on how severely the condition limits your daily activities and ability to work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not list cervical radiculopathy by name in its disability guidelines. However, you may qualify under the listing for spinal disorders if medical evidence shows significant nerve root compression, limited motion in your spine, or ongoing pain and weakness that reduce mobility or strength in your arms and hands.
To qualify as a disability under SSA rules, cervical radiculopathy must prevent you from maintaining substantial gainful activity for at least 12 months. Medical records such as MRI results, physical exams, and documented symptoms can show the extent of your impairment. If the condition does not meet the exact requirements of a listed disorder, the SSA may still evaluate whether your limitations prevent reliable, full-time employment.
Types of Social Security Disability Benefits Available
There are two main types of Social Security disability benefits you could receive if you have severe cervical radiculopathy:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI provides financial support to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes over time. To qualify, you must have earned enough work credits from recent employment.
In addition to providing your work history, you must show that your cervical radiculopathy is expected to limit your ability to work for at least 12 months. You could also qualify if your condition has already kept you from working for 12 months or more.
If the SSA approves your claim, your SSDI for cervical radiculopathy benefits may include monthly payments and eligibility for Medicare after a two-year waiting period. This program is often the best option for individuals with established work records who can no longer work due to their condition.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
The SSI program offers financial assistance to people with little income and limited resources. Unlike SSDI, this program does not require a past work history or tax contributions. Instead, eligibility depends on financial need and medical evidence of a qualifying disability. People who qualify for SSI for cervical radiculopathy often also gain access to Medicaid, which helps them cover their medical expenses. SSI may be the best available path to financial and medical support for someone with severe cervical radiculopathy who cannot meet SSDI’s work requirements.
Criteria for Getting Disability Benefits with Cervical Radiculopathy
To qualify for Social Security disability benefits with cervical radiculopathy, you must show that your condition prevents you from maintaining full-time work. The review by the Social Security Administration (SSA) includes an assessment of your medical evidence and how your symptoms affect your ability to function on a daily basis.
In these cases, the SSA often looks for signs of nerve root compression, such as consistent pain, muscle weakness, numbness, or limited range of motion in the neck and arms. Imaging tests like MRIs or CT scans can confirm that you have a compressed nerve, while doctors’ notes and treatment records document the persistence of your symptoms. These records help establish that your condition is not improving despite treatment.
You must also show that your limitations have already lasted or are expected to last at least 12 months. If you cannot meet the SSA’s official listing requirements for spinal disorders, the agency may still consider your residual functional capacity. This assessment measures how much you can lift, carry, reach, or perform repetitive tasks. If the restrictions prevent steady employment in any field, you could still qualify for benefits.
How to Apply for Disability Benefits
There are multiple ways to apply for Social Security disability benefits, including:
- Apply online – Visit the Social Security Administration’s website to complete and submit an application at your own pace. This option works well if you prefer managing the process digitally.
- Apply by phone – Call the SSA to start your application with the help of a specially trained representative. This method lets you ask questions and receive guidance as you provide information.
- Apply in person – You can schedule an appointment at your local SSA office to complete your application face-to-face.
- Apply through a representative – A lawyer or authorized advocate can submit the application on your behalf. Your attorney can help you avoid errors and strengthen your claim.
No matter which method you choose, be ready to provide documentation about your cervical radiculopathy, including imaging test results, your treatment history, and statements from your doctor. Clear and complete records give the SSA the best picture of how your condition impacts your ability to work.
Let an Oklahoma Disability Law Firm Help with Your Disability Claim
Our Oklahoma disability attorneys have over 30 years of experience handling Social Security claims and can help you seek SSDI or SSI benefits for cervical radiculopathy. We’ve helped thousands of clients claim the benefits they need to support themselves, and we handle all the legal work. Call Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons today, or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
We are Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, a legal firm that, for decades, has been fighting for the rights of hardworking Oklahoma residents. Our mission is to hold the powerful accountable.
