Understand the SSA’s Definition of Disability

To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits in Colorado, the Social Security Administration (SSA) must determine that your disability meets their strict definition of disability. The SSA defines a disability as:

• Severe: Your condition must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work tasks, such as walking, standing, lifting, or concentrating.
• Long-Term: Your condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• Inability to Work: Your disability must prevent you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2025, the SSA considers income above $1,470 per month ($2,460 for blind individuals) as SGA.

Back pain, if severe enough, can meet these requirements, but the SSA will need evidence that your pain is debilitating enough to prevent you from performing work.

Can Back Pain Qualify for Social Security Disability?

Back pain can qualify for Social Security Disability benefits in Colorado if it meets specific medical and functional criteria. The SSA has a Listing of Impairments that outlines certain conditions that are considered severe enough to automatically qualify for SSDI or SSI. For back pain, your condition would generally fall under the “Musculoskeletal System” category.

There are specific conditions within this category that could qualify you for disability, including:

• Spinal Disorders: Severe conditions like degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis can qualify if they severely limit your ability to function.
• Failed Back Surgery: If you’ve had back surgery that didn’t improve your condition and you continue to experience significant pain or functional limitations, you might qualify.
• Radiculopathy or Nerve Impairments: If your back pain causes nerve damage or radiating pain down your legs (often called sciatica), it could meet the criteria for disability.

Even if your back pain is not listed specifically in the SSA’s impairment list, you may still qualify if it is of equal severity to listed conditions.

Proving Your Disability with Medical Evidence

One of the most crucial aspects of applying for Social Security Disability with back pain is providing adequate medical documentation. The SSA requires that you submit detailed medical evidence showing that your back pain is severe enough to prevent you from working.

Here’s what you should do:

• See Your Doctor Regularly: Regular visits to your doctor and specialists will help build a solid medical record. Be sure to follow prescribed treatments and attend all recommended appointments.
• Provide Medical Records: Make sure you submit all relevant records, including MRI or X-ray results, doctor’s notes, surgical records, physical therapy documentation, and any other test results.
• Functional Limitations: Document how your back pain affects your daily activities. This can include difficulty standing, walking, lifting, bending, or sitting for long periods.
• Doctor’s Opinion: A letter from your treating physician can be very helpful. The letter should explain how your back pain limits your ability to perform physical tasks and work-related activities. The more specific your doctor is about your limitations, the stronger your claim will be.

Meeting the SSA’s Disability Evaluation Process

The SSA evaluates disability claims through a five-step process. Here’s how the process applies to back pain:

• Step 1: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): If you are working and earning more than the SSA’s SGA threshold (in 2025, $1,470/month or $2,460 for blind individuals), your claim may be denied. If you’re not working or earning below the SGA limit, the SSA will move to the next step.
• Step 2: Severe Condition: Your back pain must be severe enough to limit your ability to perform basic work activities. If your back pain prevents you from sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods, or if it limits your ability to lift or bend, the SSA may determine that your condition is severe.
• Step 3: Meet a Listed Impairment: If your back pain meets the SSA’s Listing of Impairments, particularly under “Musculoskeletal Disorders,” you may be automatically considered disabled. If your back pain is not listed, you may still qualify if it’s of equal severity.
• Step 4: Past Work: The SSA will evaluate whether you can still perform your past work based on your back pain. If your condition prevents you from doing your previous job, they will move to the next step.
• Step 5: Other Work: Finally, the SSA will determine whether you can perform any other type of work based on your skills, education, and experience. If your back pain prevents you from doing any type of work, you may qualify for disability benefits.

Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits in Colorado

Once you’ve gathered the necessary medical documentation, you can apply for Social Security Disability benefits. You can apply through:

• Online: The fastest and most convenient way to apply is online through the SSA’s website at www.ssa.gov.
• In Person: You can apply in person by visiting your local Social Security office in Colorado. Use the SSA’s office locator tool to find the nearest office.
• By Phone: You can also apply by phone by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
  

Make sure you provide all the required documents and information to avoid delays or denials.

What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied

If your Social Security Disability claim for back pain is denied, don’t get discouraged. Many claims are initially denied, even if the claimant has a valid case. You can appeal the decision by:

• Requesting Reconsideration: This is the first step in the appeals process. The SSA will review your case again.
• Requesting a Hearing: If your claim is denied after reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). At the hearing, you can present new evidence and explain how your back pain affects your ability to work.
• Appealing to the Appeals Council: If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request a review by the Appeals Council.