Spinal cord disability may be the result of an accident or of birth. Causal factors include disease. Essentially, a spinal cord disability is an impairment of the spinal. The most common types of injuries and health issues featuring a spinal cord disability are traumatic spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and spina bifida. Polyomelitis, Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotropic lateral sclerosis or ALS) and syringomyelia also have various types of spinal cord disabilities. A spinal cord disability may qualify under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The applicant may be either a child or an adult. Since many cases of spinal injury are work-related, it is important to understand the procedure. SSDI benefits are based on specific criteria. Work credits are an essential consideration as important as medical records and documentation. The severity of the spinal cord disability is also part of the process. The type of spinal cord disability must also appear on the list. If it does not, further factors must also come into play. Of significant importance is the ability of the spinal cord disability to interfere with the performance of work. If it does and there are no transferrable skills, there is a possibility the claim will continue. The process is a long one. The claims process may take between 60 and 90 days while the claim may not become active until after 6 months.