Can I get disability benefits for chronic back pain?

Social Security Disability does cover chronic back pain, so long as it can be linked to a specific medical condition. In most cases, it's either a muscular issue or a condition of the spine, such as degenerative disc disease.

These types of disabilities are covered under the first section of the list of impairments, but often times the applications will be denied regardless. However, you have several options to appeal denials, starting with a request for reconsideration, and eventually ending up before the administrative law judge.

If you think your back condition will last more than a few months, you should talk to a disability lawyer about taking care of your case. Often, the legal fees will be covered by the compensation you receive, so it makes sense to have a lawyer help you get the benefits faster.