Chronic Pain Disability: Social Security Disability Claims for Pain Disorders

When Pain Keeps You from Working

Pain is intensely personal. It can't be measured by a machine or quantified on a scale that fits everyone. When it becomes chronic—lasting six months or more—it can fundamentally change your life. Chronic pain can stem from injuries, diseases like fibromyalgia or arthritis, or seemingly without an identifiable cause. For some, the pain never goes away.

If your chronic pain prevents you from working full time, you may qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. At Binder & Binder®, we’ve helped thousands of clients win claims where pain played a central role in their inability to work.

Why Pain Is Difficult to Prove

Pain is subjective, and because there is no objective test to measure pain intensity, the Social Security Administration (SSA) relies heavily on your medical records and doctors’ notes. That’s why it’s critical to talk openly with your physicians about the nature and extent of your pain. It’s not complaining—it’s documentation.

The SSA evaluates the following when reviewing pain-related claims:

• Location, duration, frequency, and intensity of the pain

• How pain limits your daily activities or ability to work

• What triggers or worsens the pain

• Medications taken, including dosages, side effects, and effectiveness

• Additional treatments such as physical therapy, acupuncture, injections, or surgery

• Non-medical coping methods, such as rest, elevation, or ice application

How Binder & Binder® Can Help

Whether your pain is caused by an injury, a chronic illness, or an unknown condition, our experienced team will help build a strong case for your SSD claim. We’ll work directly with your healthcare providers to ensure your symptoms, treatment history, and limitations are thoroughly documented.

Dealing with the Social Security Administration while also managing daily pain can feel impossible. That’s why we step in—so you can focus on your health and well-being.

If your doctor says you can no longer work due to pain, call Binder & Binder® at 1-800-4-BINDER or complete the contact form below. We’ll deal with the government. You take care of you.