Scheuermanns or Scheuermanns kyphosis is a condition which occurs when the vertebrae or the spine grows unevenly causing increased back pain and kyphosis or unnatural curving of the spine.
The exact cause of the condition is not yet known, although there seems to be hereditary element. The condition is also more common in young boys, occurring most frequently in boys between the ages of 13 to 16.
The most common symptoms of this condition include backache, rounded shoulders, abnormal vertebral size and a rounded back. This condition is most generally diagnosed through a general physical examination and radiographs. Doctors can diagnose this condition if there is at least 5 degrees of “vertebral body wedging over three adjacent levels.” Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the curve, whether the claimant suffers from any other conditions (such as poor lung development) and the severity of the back pain.
Winning Supplemental Security Income (SSI benefits) for Scheuermanns
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is awarded to children who are blind and disabled, which means they have a condition which the SSA considers marked and severe and which causes marked limitations for the child. Additionally, SSI applicants must have very limited income and resources which means if their parent’s income or resource level is too high they will be automatically denied SSI regardless of the severity of their health condition. Contact the SSA to determine if your family’s income and resource level are below the allowable limits.
Meeting a Listing in the SSA Listing of Impairments for Scheuermanns disease
The Social Security Administration will first evaluate whether a child’s mental or physical health condition is listed on their SSA Listing of Impairments- Part B. The SSA Listing of Impairments or Blue Book consists of all of the conditions and symptoms the SSA assumes cause marked limitations due to a marked and severe condition. Children can also be considered disabled even if their condition is not on the listing if they can prove that their condition “meets or exceeds a listing.”
The SSA will generally evaluate spine disorders under listing 101.00 Musculoskeletal System, Section 101.04 Disorders of the spine. The SSA will evaluate if the child’s condition is so severe and if it causes “impaired ambulation and if it affects functioning in body systems other than the musculoskeletal system (for example if the child’s ability to breathe is impaired or their disfigurement results in isolation).
If the condition causes difficulty ambulating the SSA can also evaluate the condition under listing 114.09 Inflammatory arthritis, Section C, and if there is respiratory or cardiac involvement or an associated mental disorder, evaluation may be made under Respiratory System 103.00ff, Cardiovascular System 104.00ff, or Special Senses and Speech 112.00ff, as appropriate.
Hiring a Disability Lawyer
Given the complexity of proving that a child’s Scheuermanns Bone Disease meets or exceeds a listing in the SSA Listing of Impairments it may be beneficial to talk to a disability lawyer. If you decide to hire a disability lawyer they can review the child’s medical records to determine if your child’s condition meets or exceeds a listing.
- SSI and SSDI Disability – Do I have to see a doctor? (disabilitybenefitshome.com)
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