What the SSA Looks for in Chronic Pain Disability Claims

The Cause of the Pain

To qualify for disability benefits based on chronic pain, you must have a documented medical condition that causes the pain. Chronic pain can result from various conditions, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, back injuries, or nerve damage. The SSA requires medical evidence to confirm that your pain is caused by a medically recognized condition.

Severe Limitations in Functionality

Simply having chronic pain isn’t enough to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. You must demonstrate that your pain severely limits your ability to work or perform basic daily activities. The SSA assesses how your pain affects your ability to do tasks like sitting, standing, walking, lifting, or concentrating.

Medical Documentation

The SSA requires strong medical evidence to support your claim. This includes doctor’s notes, diagnostic tests, imaging studies, and a detailed description of your condition and how it limits your functionality. The more comprehensive your medical documentation, the better your chances of approval.

Can Chronic Pain Qualify for Disability in Maine?

Yes, it is possible to qualify for disability benefits in Maine due to chronic pain, but the process can be complex. Chronic pain claims are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and it’s essential to provide detailed evidence that supports your claim. The SSA uses the following steps to assess your eligibility:

Step 1: Establish the Presence of a Severe Medical Condition

The SSA needs to confirm that you have a severe medical condition that causes chronic pain. This could include conditions like fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease, or arthritis. You’ll need to provide medical records that show the severity and long-term nature of your condition.

Step 2: Demonstrate Inability to Perform Work

In order to qualify for disability, you must prove that your chronic pain prevents you from performing your previous work or any other work. The SSA will assess your residual functional capacity (RFC), which looks at your physical and mental abilities despite your pain.

Step 3: Use of the SSA’s Listing of Impairments

The SSA has a “Listing of Impairments,” which includes conditions that automatically qualify for disability benefits if they meet certain criteria. While chronic pain itself is not listed, conditions that cause severe chronic pain (such as arthritis or fibromyalgia) may qualify if they meet specific medical requirements.

How to Strengthen Your Claim for Chronic Pain in Maine

Get a Detailed Diagnosis and Ongoing Treatment

Ensure you have a clear diagnosis from a medical professional who specializes in your condition. Regular visits to your doctor are crucial to show the ongoing nature of your chronic pain.

Provide Comprehensive Medical Evidence

Include all relevant medical records, including test results, diagnostic images, and letters from your treating physicians. Detailed medical documentation that explains how your condition limits your ability to work is critical.

Work with a Disability Expert

Chronic pain claims can be difficult to win, so it may be beneficial to consult with a disability expert or attorney who understands the intricacies of these types of claims in Maine.