Some individuals with back pain may be eligible for a range of disability benefits. The eligibility requirements for these benefits may vary by state and depend on the cause of a person’s back pain.

Disability benefits can help cover the costs of healthcare relating to certain back conditions.

Workers’ compensation may provide disability benefits for individuals who have experienced a workplace injury. Social Security, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and other institutions may also provide disability for back pain. Most institutions offer more information about filing a claim on their website.

This article will examine disability for back pain in more detail, including benefit eligibility by institution, possible qualifying conditions, documentation someone may need to file a claim, and possible benefits an individual may receive.

A person's hand taking a file off a shelf 1Share on Pinterest
Sean Justice/Getty Images

Individuals with back pain may experience limited mobility. They may also have been living with back pain for a long time. In some cases, back pain may interfere with a person’s ability to work.

If this occurs, there are a number of institutions that provide disability benefits.

VA disability benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers VA disability payments. These payments cover healthcare costs for individuals currently experiencing certain health conditions and participated in:

  • inactive duty training
  • active duty
  • active duty for training

These benefits only cover illnesses or injuries related to military duty. This refers to:

  • illnesses or injuries that may have worsened due to military duty
  • illnesses or injuries that may have occurred as a result of military duty
  • disabilities related to a person’s active duty service that did not appear until after they ended their service

Supplemental Security Income

Social Security offers Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for certain disabilities. These may include chronic injuries that have lasted or are expected to last at least 1 year. Injuries that prevent employment may also qualify for SSI.

Individuals who cannot work because of back pain may be eligible for monthly SSI payments. To learn more about SSI eligibility, a person can visit the Social Security website.

Workers’ compensation

The Department of Labor provides workers’ compensation for certain individuals who experience a workplace injury. Individuals may be eligible for workers’ compensation if they sustain an injury while on the job and cannot work as a result of this injury or develop a health condition due to their job.

Workers’ compensation eligibility requirements may vary between states. A person can contact a local workers’ compensation representative to learn more.

Each disability program may have unique qualification requirements. Certain injuries or conditions that cause back pain may be eligible for disability benefits. These may include:

Military members who sustain back injuries while on duty may qualify for VA disability benefits. These benefits can help cover the costs of chronic back pain. Additionally, individuals who experience back injuries in the workplace may qualify for workers’ compensation.

Individuals eligible for disability benefits must file a claim to receive this coverage. Different institutions or agencies may require different documents. Examples of these documents may include:

  • employment history
  • medical records
  • application forms
  • social security cards
  • personal statements
  • birth or marriage certificates
  • financial documents

There may be other documents that certain disability providers require. For example, employees who apply for workers’ compensation must submit records from their employers.

To learn more about documentation requirements, a person can contact a disability provider’s representative, who can provide more detailed information on an individual basis.

Disability coverage for back pain can provide a number of potential benefits. Individuals who are eligible for SSI may receive monthly payments to help with healthcare costs.

Current or former military members may qualify for VA disability benefits. These benefits include tax-free payments each month. These payments can help cover the cost of care for back pain that occurs or worsens due to military service.

Workers’ compensation offers financial assistance to people who have experienced workplace injuries. This program may also cover certain medical bills related to these injuries.

Individuals living with chronic back pain may be eligible for disability coverage. This financial assistance can help cover the cost of living for people who cannot work. It can also help offset the cost of medical treatments to treat or manage back pain.

Some individuals with chronic back pain may qualify for disability benefits. These benefits cover certain conditions or injuries that cause back pain. These may include spinal injuries, fractures, arthritis, or paralysis.

The workers’ compensation program provides disability for back pain due to workplace injuries. Back pain relating to military service may qualify for VA disability benefits. Other injuries or health conditions may also qualify for SSI benefits.

Chronic back pain can make it difficult to carry out daily activities such as work or school. Disability for back pain can help support individuals as they seek medical care to manage this discomfort. However, eligibility requirements may vary between states and depend on individual circumstances.