Is Scoliosis a Disability?

March 5, 2025

Scoliosis is a spinal condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine, often leading to chronic pain, mobility issues, and, in severe cases, significant functional impairments. Individuals living with scoliosis may wonder whether they qualify for disability benefits. To know your legal options and recover the maximum benefits related to disability for scoliosis, you should consult with an experienced disability attorney.  

Scoliosis and Its Impact on Daily Life

Scoliosis can range from mild to severe, with symptoms that vary based on the degree of spinal curvature and the affected individual’s overall health. Some common effects of severe scoliosis or degenerative scoliosis may include:

• Chronic pain in the back, neck, shoulders, and hips
• Limited mobility that affects walking, bending, and lifting
• Breathing difficulties in cases where the curvature compresses the lungs
• Neurological symptoms such as numbness, weakness, or tingling if the spine compresses nerves
• Reduced ability to work, particularly in physically demanding jobs

The severity of scoliosis symptoms determines whether a person qualifies for disability benefits in California. Notably, individuals with cerebral palsy may require scoliosis surgery to correct severe spinal curvature and improve mobility.

Is Scoliosis Considered a Disability in California?

California disability laws and federal disability laws do not automatically consider scoliosis a disability. Instead, eligibility for disability benefits depends on the severity of the condition and whether it significantly limits a person’s ability to work or perform daily activities.

In California, individuals with scoliosis may seek disability benefits under:

1. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – A federal program for individuals who have paid into the Social Security system and have a qualifying disability.
2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – A federal program for disabled individuals with limited income and resources.
3. State Disability Insurance (SDI) – A short-term disability program in California for individuals who cannot work due to a medical condition.
4. Workers’ Compensation – Available if scoliosis results from workplace conditions or injuries.

Each of these programs has specific requirements, which are discussed below.

Does Scoliosis Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides disability benefits for individuals who meet strict medical and work history requirements. Scoliosis is not explicitly listed as a qualifying condition in the SSA’s Blue Book of impairments. However, individuals may still qualify under the listing for disorders of the spine (Listing 1.15 or 1.16) if they can prove their condition causes severe functional limitations.

SSA Eligibility Criteria for Scoliosis

To qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits, applicants must prove that their scoliosis:

• Prevents them from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA) (i.e., earning more than $1,550 per month as of 2024).
• Has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• Meets or equals an SSA-listed impairment (typically under the spine disorder categories).

Medical Evidence Required for SSA Disability Benefits Claims

Applicants need substantial medical evidence, including:

• X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans showing spinal abnormalities
• Medical records documenting treatment history and prognosis
• Physician statements describing functional limitations
• Reports from physical therapy or pain management specialists

If scoliosis does not meet the SSA’s listed impairments, claimants can still qualify based on a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment, which evaluates how scoliosis affects their ability to work.

Can You Get California State Disability Insurance (SDI) for Scoliosis?

California’s State Disability Insurance (SDI) provides short-term disability benefits for individuals who cannot work due to a medical condition. To qualify for scoliosis disability benefits under SDI, an individual must:

• Have paid into SDI through payroll deductions from a California employer.
• Be unable to perform their usual work for at least eight days.
• Have medical certification from a doctor confirming the condition.
• Have earned at least $300 in wages subject to SDI deductions in the previous 12 months.

SDI provides benefits for up to 52 weeks but is not a long-term disability solution.

Can You Receive Workers’ Compensation for Scoliosis?

Workers’ compensation may be available if scoliosis is caused or worsened by workplace conditions. To file a workers’ compensation claim for scoliosis, an employee must provide medical evidence linking their condition to their job duties. Benefits may include:

• Medical treatment coverage
• Temporary or permanent disability benefits
• Vocational rehabilitation

What If Your Disability Claim for Scoliosis Is Denied?

Many scoliosis-related disability claims are initially denied due to insufficient medical evidence or failure to meet SSA or California SDI requirements. If your claim is denied, you have legal options, including:

1. Requesting reconsideration – Submitting additional medical evidence within 60 days.
2. Appealing at a disability hearing – Presenting your case before an administrative law judge (ALJ).
3. Seeking legal representation – Hiring a disability attorney to strengthen your case.

An experienced California Social Security disability attorney can help gather medical evidence, prepare appeals, and argue your case before a judge.

Steps Our Lawyers Will Take to Assist With Your Scoliosis Disability Claim 

Filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) due to scoliosis can be a challenging and complex process. Many claims are denied initially due to insufficient medical evidence or failure to demonstrate the severity of limitations caused by the condition. At Pisegna and Zimmerman, LLC, our experienced Los Angeles disability attorneys are dedicated to guiding clients through each step of the claims process, increasing the likelihood of approval.

Organize Strong Medical Evidence

Well-documented and detailed medical records are the foundation of a successful disability claim. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires comprehensive medical evidence proving that scoliosis significantly impairs your ability to work. Our legal team assists in obtaining:

• Diagnostic imaging reports, including x-rays, MRIs, and CT scans showing spinal curvature, severity, and progression.
• Physician reports from your treating doctors detailing your condition, treatment history, ongoing medical treatments, and prognosis.
• Specialist evaluations from orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, and pain management specialists verifying medical impairments.
• Pain and functional impact records documenting chronic pain, mobility issues, and any physical therapy treatments.
• Medication and treatment history, including records showing medications prescribed, side effects, and efficacy of treatments.

We also ensure your doctors clearly explain how your scoliosis prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA), which is critical for SSA approval.

Establish That Your Condition Meets or Equals a Listed Impairment

Scoliosis is not specifically listed in the SSA’s Blue Book of impairments. However, we can demonstrate that your condition meets or equals an existing listing under:

• Listing 1.15 – Disorders of the Spine, if scoliosis results in nerve compression, pain, and mobility limitations.
• Listing 1.16 – Spinal Disorders Requiring Surgery, if you have undergone or require surgery with long-term disability effects.

If your condition does not precisely match these listings, we build a case under the “medical equivalence” rule, proving that your scoliosis is equally as severe as a listed impairment.

Create a Strong Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) Assessment

If scoliosis does not meet the SSA’s strict Blue Book criteria, we focus on proving functional limitations through an RFC assessment. This is one of the most important parts of a disability claim. We work with your doctors to document:

• Your ability to stand, sit, and walk for extended periods.
• The weight you can safely lift and carry.
• Whether scoliosis causes balance issues, coordination problems, or weakness.
• The impact of chronic pain on concentration and daily tasks.
• If you require assistive devices, such as a cane or brace.

The goal is to prove that you cannot perform your previous job or any other work due to scoliosis-related limitations.

Assist With the Social Security Disability Application Process

We ensure that your initial SSD application is accurate, complete, and supported by strong evidence to reduce the chances of denial.

• We carefully complete all SSA forms, avoiding common mistakes that lead to delays or denials.
• We include clear and compelling descriptions of how scoliosis affects your daily life and ability to work.
• We submit supporting documents, including medical records, test results, physician statements, and RFC assessments.
• We track your application status and respond promptly to SSA requests for additional information.

Filing a strong application upfront is the best way to avoid unnecessary appeals and speed up the approval process.

Handle Appeals If Your Claim Is Denied

Most SSDI and SSI claims are denied at the initial application stage. If you receive a denial, Pisegna and Zimmerman, LLC will immediately begin the appeals process. We guide clients through the four levels of appeal:

• Request for Reconsideration, where we submit additional medical evidence and argue why the SSA’s initial decision was incorrect.
• Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing, where we represent you in a hearing before an ALJ, presenting expert testimony and medical evidence.
• Appeals Council Review, where we request a review by the SSA’s Appeals Council if the claim is denied again.
• Federal Court Lawsuit, where we file a lawsuit in federal court as a last resort to challenge the SSA’s decision.

Maximize Benefits and Explore Other Legal Options

Beyond SSDI and SSI, we explore other disability benefits that may help our clients, such as:

• California State Disability Insurance (SDI), if scoliosis prevents you from working temporarily.
• Workers’ Compensation, if scoliosis was caused or aggravated by work conditions.
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance, if you have private disability insurance and need assistance filing claims or appealing denied benefits.

At Pisegna and Zimmerman, LLC, we are committed to helping individuals suffering from scoliosis secure the disability benefits they deserve. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (818) 377-2200 or contact us online.