One of the most common disabilities claimed in a SSDI case is a back disability.  There are many different medical conditions that involve the back.  If you have a back condition, and you are applying for SSDI you should first research the Social Security 5 step process that determines if someone is disabled.  You should then make sure to ream the SSA medical listing of impairments for back conditions.  If you think you may meet or equal one of the listings you should then ask your doctor if he or she thinks you do.  If they believe you do, you should then ask them for a report that states what listing and why.  It is also important for you to understand the Grid Rules.  It can also be a good idea to get an RFC from your treating doctor.  This will show your doctor's opinion of how your medical conditions limit your ability to work.

I should start out by saying, that you have at-least did some research tonight to find this website.  Since you are here, you should take the time right now to start reading this website.  You will first want to know how Social Security determines if you are disabled.  SSA has a five step test for disability.  You need to know what you have to prove to win your SSDI case.  After you understand what it is you have to prove to win, you can then move on to how to go about doing that.  So, follow the link above and it will take you to a page in my website that explains the five step process.  This is a good place to start, but you should continue to read this website and the SSA website to give yourself the knowledge you need to present the best case you can.

If you are a veteran and you are unable to work due to your medical conditions you may qualify for SSDI.  If you are getting VA IU make sure when you apply for SSDI you send Social Security a copy of your VA IU decision.  Although this will not automatically get you approved for SSDI it will help your claim.  Also if you get approved for SSDI it can also help a pending VA IU claim if you send the VA a copy of your SSDI decision.  The SSDI decision will not automatically get you approved for VA IU, but it should help as well.  One major difference in these two types of claims is that in a SSDI claim Social Security will look at all your medical conditions to determine if you are disabled and in a VA IU claim the VA will only look at your service connected conditions when determining if you are disabled.

If you received your notice of hearing then you might be wondering what to expect at a SSDI hearing.  Don't expect a big court room with lots of people watching.  Most hearings are held in small rooms with just a few people.  You will always have yourself, an Administrative Law Judge, and a hearing room assistant.  If you have an SSDI lawyer they will be present as well.  Many hearings will have a medical or vocational expert or both.  Your notice of hearing will tell you if one or both of these experts will be present.  The ALJ will do most of the questioning and if you have an attorney they will have an opportunity to ask questions as well.  The hearing is your chance to describe how your medical conditions prevent you from working.  The ALJ and your lawyer will ask you certain question that are relevant to determining if you are disabled.  For a more detailed understanding of how a SSDI hearing is conducted make sure to read my page on this website that describes it in more detail.