Sciatica is a fairly common nerve disorder characterized by chronic pain, numbness, and a tingling sensation in the lower extremities. It is connected to an injury involving the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the human body. Sciatica is curable, and over a period of time, a person may be able to manage the symptoms associated with the condition.
It is not very common for a person to qualify for Social Security disability benefits on the basis of a sciatica diagnosis alone. In order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits for this condition, you may have to prove that your condition makes it difficult for you to function in a work environment. For instance, if your pain makes it difficult for you to sit for long periods of time, you may claim that your symptoms make it difficult for you to function normally in a regular work situation. You might be able to argue that you are unable to sit for long periods of time without your symptoms being severely aggravated, and therefore, are unable to perform your job.
One of the more common symptoms associated with sciatica is weakness in the legs. If your job requires you to stand for long periods of time, these symptoms may make it difficult for you to perform your job properly.
However, remember that SSA will also consider whether you are capable of performing other types of jobs in its evaluation of your claim. If the Agency believes that you may be able to perform another type of job which does not require you to sit for long periods of time, or does not exacerbate your symptoms in any way, it may reject your disability benefits claim.
With all of that said, if you suffer from sciatica, speak to experienced disability attorney about your options. That’s the best way to know if filing for benefits is the next best step for you.