Determining if Your Spina Bifida is Severe Enough for Disability

Spina Bifida happens as a birth defect. There are several types of spina bifida, classified as neural tube defects. The neural tube is a collection of embryos that eventually becomes the baby’s brain, spinal cord and tissues surrounding the brain.  This neural tube typically forms very early on in pregnancy, typically throughout the first few months. Babies who have Spina Bifida have a small part of their neural tube that does not develop or close properly. This is what causes the defects to both the spinal cord and the bones in the backbone.

Spina Bifida and Disability

There are several different levels of severity when it comes to Spina Bifida. When treatment is necessary, typically surgery becomes the only option. Sometimes not even surgery can fix the issue however. The types of spina bifida include:

• Spina Bifida Occulta- generally is a mild type of Spina Bifida. This form of Spina Bifida happens when either some or part of vertebrae do not completely close. Even tlhough the skin might appear to be normal, there is an error underlying the skin.
• Spina Bifida Cystica- is slightly more severe than Occulata. A cyst typically encroaches on the vertebral arch. This type of Spina Bifida is diagnosable while in utero. Cystica can result in neurological deficiencies.
• Meningocele- is the most rare type of Spina Bifida. With Miningocele a person’s spine will form normally but meninges are pushed into vertebrae gaps. People with Meningocele suffer from continual and long lasting health issues and even a tethered cord.
• Myelomeningocele - is the most common type of Spina Bifida. One out of every 800 infants born develops Myelomeningocele. A person with Myelomeningocele has a spinal cord that becomes lodged between the vertebrae and also has an external sac that is filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

Spina bifida can qualify you for social security disability provided you have been out of work for twelve months and that you are unable to work or perform daily activities because of your spina bifida. Medical scans and medical records are the best way to prove the inability to work.

Getting Help

If you have questions or concerns about whether your Spina Bifida can qualify you for SSA disability, there are lawyers who are qualified to help you prove your level of disability and apply for the SSA benefits.