Can You Get SSDI for Arachnoiditis?
TL;DR: Yes. Arachnoiditis is chronic inflammation of the arachnoid membrane surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots. It causes severe, burning pain, nerve damage, and often progressive disability. Because arachnoiditis has no cure and typically worsens over time, it is a strong basis for an SSDI claim. The SSA specifically mentions arachnoiditis in its spinal disorder listings as a condition that can meet disability criteria.
Arachnoiditis is often caused by previous spinal surgery, spinal injections, infections, or trauma. The inflammation causes scar tissue to form around the nerve roots, clumping them together and causing constant pain. Unlike many conditions where the SSA expects improvement with treatment, arachnoiditis has no effective treatment. Pain management is the only option, and it is often only partially successful.
SSA Listings for Arachnoiditis
| SSA Listing | Condition | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 1.15 | Disorders of the skeletal spine | Specifically mentions arachnoiditis as qualifying when confirmed by imaging showing nerve root clumping |
| 11.08 | Spinal cord disorders | If arachnoiditis affects spinal cord function |
The SSA's own listing language states that arachnoiditis confirmed by operative note or pathology report, or by imaging showing nerve root clumping, can meet the listing. This is one of the few conditions the SSA calls out by name.
Medical Evidence the SSA Needs
- MRI showing nerve root clumping, thickening, or enhancement consistent with arachnoiditis
- CT myelogram showing filling defects or irregular flow of contrast
- If from surgery: operative notes documenting adhesions found during the procedure
- Pathology reports if tissue was biopsied
- EMG/nerve conduction studies showing nerve damage pattern
- Pain management records documenting ongoing treatment
- Neurological examination showing sensory deficits, weakness, or reflex changes
RFC for Arachnoiditis
| Symptom | Work Impact |
|---|---|
| Constant burning pain | Cannot concentrate or maintain work pace |
| Position intolerance | Cannot sit, stand, or lie in one position for extended periods |
| Leg weakness | Difficulty with walking, standing, and stair climbing |
| Bladder dysfunction | Frequent bathroom needs, urgency, or incontinence |
| Medication effects | Opioids and nerve medications cause sedation and cognitive impairment |
Common Denial Reasons
- MRI does not clearly show nerve root clumping. Not all radiologists look for or report arachnoiditis findings. Ask your doctor to specifically order imaging with arachnoiditis as the clinical question.
- Diagnosis based only on symptoms. The SSA wants objective imaging or surgical confirmation, not just a clinical diagnosis based on symptoms.
- Gaps in pain management records. If you stop seeing your pain management doctor, the SSA assumes improvement.
Compassionate Allowance
Arachnoiditis does not qualify for Compassionate Allowance despite its severity.
Function Report Tips
- Describe the burning, stinging, or electric shock quality of the pain
- Explain how often you need to change positions throughout the day
- Detail how pain medications affect your alertness and concentration
- Describe how the condition developed: what surgery or procedure caused it
- Note any bladder or bowel problems
- Explain that there is no cure and the condition is expected to worsen
Arachnoiditis is one of the conditions the SSA specifically names in its listings. ClaimPath generates SSA-compliant disability documents for $79, saving you the 25% attorney contingency fee.
Related Condition Guides
- SSDI for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
- SSDI for Chronic Pain Syndrome
- SSDI for Peripheral Neuropathy
- SSDI for Spinal Cord Compression
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Get SSDI for Arachnoiditis??
TL;DR: Yes. Arachnoiditis is chronic inflammation of the arachnoid membrane surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots. It causes severe, burning pain, nerve damage, and often progressive disability.
What should I know about ssa listings for arachnoiditis?
The SSA's own listing language states that arachnoiditis confirmed by operative note or pathology report, or by imaging showing nerve root clumping, can meet the listing. This is one of the few conditions the SSA calls out by name.
What should I know about compassionate allowance?
Arachnoiditis does not qualify for Compassionate Allowance despite its severity.
What are the best practices for function report tips?
Arachnoiditis is one of the conditions the SSA specifically names in its listings. ClaimPath generates SSA-compliant disability documents for $79, saving you the 25% attorney contingency fee.