Hi Caity,
I have RSD, and am always in pain. Most of this condition is purely pain. Some physical abnormalities, that may or may not require amputation. I heard from my atty., that every RSD patient they have helped, are now approved and on their way...in pain and on pills.
For now I live with pain. One out of three ain't
bad. Put me in pain, and I'll show you a guy who doesn't do public.
Good luck!!!

I am so sorry to hear you are in such pain. I'm assuming you were approved for SSD? If so, I am so happy for you. I am in the beginning stages of my application. Thanks for the well wishes!

Caity

I just got approved.
I filed On my own and was denied.
I asked for a recosideration and i was denied again.
I finally hired a lawyer and he asked for hearing.
I never had to go to a hearing as it was approved witn out it.
It's a long haul on a very bumpy road. Just don't get off it!

best wishes.

I work for a lawyer who specializes in social security disability and I am a paralegal that basically handles these files. A favorable decision depends on a lot of factors. I can tell you from experience, the younger you are and your educational level play a big role. You may not technically meet a listing but chronic pain is part of your disability. You want to consider everything that is going on with you when filing. For example, it seems that a lot of our clients come in lets say because of back problems because to them that is the main reason why they are disabled. Don't forget about anything else that you may have like depression, diabetes, hypertension, etc. The best possible thing you could do for your case is to have supportive doctors that are willing to either write a to whom it may concern letter indicating that you are disabled and are not capable of sustaining gainful employment. Or, even better, have them complete a RFC form. I hope some of this info was helpful. The system is definitely flawed that is for sure. I am 34 years old, i have had two back surgeries, with the most recent being June 30 when I had a two level fusion at L3-4 and L4-5 and had bone spurs removed at L5-S1. I am currently off work with no benefits, no income and uncertainly about the future, and I can tell you that without doubt, I would not qualify for social security disability because of my age and because I have a college education, not to mention my family could not afford to even try to go through the proecess. I live in Michigan and we are one of the busiest offices in the nation. It is now taking upwards of 6-9 months to find out if you are denied or not, and if denied it is taking about 2 1/2 years to get a hearing date in front of an administrative law judge!
I wish you the best of luck!!!
Tammy

Hi All,
I must of had one of the strangest SSDI cases ever. I went through this process with my dad back in '86, and 4 yrs and an attorney (who really didn't do much), he finally qualified for SSDI. So in March 2007, after a bloched Bilevel Lumbar Spinal Fusion of the L4-S1 with hardware, and the rest of the bells and whistles. I had to apply for SSDI in Sept 08. I was very against it. Pride you know is a dangerous thing. I guess I saw what my dad had gone through, and had read what a lot of ppl had to go through on this forum. I figured I was in for a battle, especially since I hadn't seen a dr for this since July 07. I only seen my primary once in that time, and that was to sign a contract for pain meds.
So I applied, and figured I'd be denied. I was 40 yrs old, with a college degree, had no dr. backing me or even know that I applied, and I was going through DVR to be retrained. Well in Feb 09 I recieved a check from SSDI, and the next day a letter that I was approved. I told you it was strange!! I was affraid to cash the check. I have never heard of anyone getting SSDI so easily.
To tell you exactly what's wrong with me. I don't really know. That's my first order of business in Sept, when medicare kicks in. I'm also in the process of getting the records from the drs, and the hospital. What I can tell you is I woke up from surgery unable to feel my legs, and it took me a month to learn to walk. I'm in extensive pain, and have lots of numbness to the outside of my legs going down to my feet. If there is a bright side, I can stub my toe and not feel it, LOL!!! Sorry my idea of humor. You have to laugh at something. Might as well be yourself. Otherwise, I'd have to just sit down, and cry! And what good would that do me.
I know this might not be helpful to anyone, but that's my story. Even as stange as it may sound.
Bobbi Jo

I am so happy for you! That does seem like it was very easy, but you must have strong medical evidence to support that you are disabled. They get all of your medical records in order to make their decision, so your doctors must have been very thorough.

Again, I am so happy for you! I hope I am as lucky.

Caity

i went through the disability (nightmare) i am 43 was denied the first time. thinking i really don't want this, but i knew that i was physically amess from my two surgeries. the people who really need it i think are denied because there are people out there who should not be on it.and i think they try to scare you. my thoughts are -- you know yourself what you can do- it's just a matter of making those people understand.. i think the system would improve if they had a medical team doing disability cases. just my honest opinion

that some of you have won your fight. Tammy, thank you for the wonderful advice!

My issue is pain... Pain, pain, pain. There is absolutely no way I can stand/sit for 8 hours a day. Not unless they think it's OK that I am in excruciating pain. My concern is that there probably isn't "strong medical evidence" in their eyes. As I said before, my last MRI from Feb does reflect the collapsed disk and compression, but there are no other factors. I am probably going to request another MRI because things are going from bad to worse. Most of you will understand when I say that something just isn't right, and it's getting worse. I don't know if it's just further compression, or perhaps the bone spurs that were discovered are getting worse, but somethings up. I get really bad sciatic pain in my ankle now when I put pressure on my foot to walk. I am getting more aggressive sciatic pain. And it's gradually taking less and less to really "set me off" so to speak. I'm one of those who when you look at probably wouldn't know I have a back issue. But as soon as I do ANYTHING to irritate my back, I'm done. And this is even on meds. If I lay down all day and take it easy, my pain level is relatively manageable. But when I grocery shop, stand and fold laundry, cook a meal, etc., I'm just totally done.

Anyway, thanks again for all of your advice, support and suggestions. I really appreciate it, more than you know.

Caity

Have you seen another surgeon? I should think you would want at least 2 opinions if not 3. Before you go filing for disability. You had a micro at L5/S1. Now the disc is collapsed. Ok. So why not a fusion or ADR? If you can't prove you are inoperable I would expect them to push back on you. 1 surgeons opinion is not going to fly.

let me back up a bit. I have seen a total of 3 surgeons. One was ready to operate, but then I changed insurances. The second surgeon I saw wanted to try conservative treatments first. He told me there was no guarantee I would feel better after a fusion. Then, this 3rd one told me surgery would absolutely not help me. All of this is documented.
Oh! By the way, the first surgeon I ever saw told me I was completely collapsed. The second one also said I was collapsed. The pain management specialist I saw this past Tuesday said I am not "fully" collapsed. There is still some disk material there. That threw me for a loop! That could also be why this 3rd surgeon doesn't want to operate. I asked the pain management specialist why then was I in so much pain. He told me that disks have little pain receptors, and because of the little amount of disk I do have, and the DDD, that that's why my entire back hurts. And the nerve root compression is responsible for my sciatica.
The bottom line with this whole SSDI thing is making them realize that although there may not be "strong" medical evidence, I am in pain. It is what it is. I don't feel very confident they will agree, but I'm giving it a shot anyway.
A lot of this I posted under "Back and Neck Surgery" under "So I finally found out why surgery might not be for me". That way I don't have to type everything all over.

Caity

Hello, I was very lucky in that I was granted SSD in a very short time.I filed in Sept of 08 and after being interveiwed over the phone and a visit to one of their docs I recieved an award letter just 4 months later.I think my age helped alot,but I have OA in every joint,had both hips replaced,laminectomy on several levels and extensive forinotomies,nerve damage from sciatica and I will soon need a shoulder replacement.I am 55 and I just told the truth and had all my Docs names and numbers ready and the dates when I had all the tests and such.Godd Luck and let us know how it turns out! Turkersmom

Hello, I was very lucky in that I was granted SSD in a very short time.I filed in Sept of 08 and after being interveiwed over the phone and a visit to one of their docs I recieved an award letter just 4 months later.I think my age helped alot,but I have OA in every joint,had both hips replaced,laminectomy on several levels and extensive forinotomies,nerve damage from sciatica and I will soon need a shoulder replacement.I am 55 and I just told the truth and had all my Docs names and numbers ready and the dates when I had all the tests and such.Godd Luck and let us know how it turns out! Turkersmom

Congrats Turkersmom! Im hoping my initial appl goes that well. Did you file online? Seems to me I read it was faster to file online, but I have all my medical records so dont know if I'd be better off taking it to the local social security office.

Any thoughts anyone?

Yes, Painintheneck,I filed on-line and it was only a couple of days later when they set me up with a telephone interveiw.I did not get a lawyer as it was my first try and I wanted to see how it would go and it went very well.Believe me I know how lucky I was but I will be honest,I did some kind of prayin to St.Jude and I believe that he helped alot! Turkersmom

i have had nothing but problems trying to get SSI or SSDI. i live in Alaska, i think it has the worst healthcare in the country.most expensive forsure.

i was denied all the way to the hearing level. Had a judge who was not nice at all. She had a chip on her shoulder no doubt.

i have applyed again with my attourney and am back to waiting for a hearing once again.

my sister in missouri had been approved with out even a hearing and my case is much worse than hers. But she is 58 and i am 45 .

i have peripheral neuropathy bad in legs, feet and arms and hands from a pinched nerve in my neck and severe spinal stenosis in my lumbar spine along with osteoarthritis.

Hope to hear soon about when my hearing date will be again!

That is terrible that you were denied! I just don't understand it. I am only 35, so I'm sure my chances are bad. I spoke with my SSDI case worker and he explained to me that once he gets all my records from my doctors, that he and a medical person (?) are going to review my case to see if I qualify. I think because I can raise my leg at times I will get denied. Now if I do anything at all (clean, grocery shop, etc.) I can't lift my leg.
I recently found out that not only do I have DDD, but I have bad facet joints. Which is why I also have so much pain.
I pleaded my case to a degree with my case worker, just asking him to understand the amount of pain I am in, especially if I try to live a normal life, and to please take that into consideration. He said they do, but they follow the SSD guidelines as well to determine if someone is disabled.
Hopefully the collection of DDD, nerve root compression, facet joint disease and bone spurs will be enough. We really need the income, and I just can't work. I can't do it.
Good luck with your next attempt. I hear it can take several attempts before getting approved.

Caity

My friend won his disablility 2 years and 2 months to the day. Just found out this past monday. Won at the hearing level.

I have just applied for SSDI due to my "bad back". My history - I am a male in the mid 50's. I was diagnosed with Spondylolisthesis (slippage of vertebrae over another one) @ L5/S1. I had constant lower (lumbar) back pain and all sorts of pain done both of my legs all the way to my toes.

I had spinal surgery (PLIF with instrumentation) in 1999 by a well-known team of a neurosurgeon & an orthopedic surgeon. I was out of work for 9 months. At this time I did not apply for SSDI as I fully expected to return to work. Within 1 year of the surgery I started to have more pain than ever before. Doctors said give it more time to heal. After another year or so, it was worse. My original surgeons said there was nothing that could be done and suggested that I see a pain management practice. For the next 10 years, I was given 100's of trigger shots, over 20 epidural injections and was on a regimen of 240mg of Morphine IR (Immediate Release) and 120mg of Morphine ER (extended release) daily. In addition I had a stimulator implanted to help with the pain. During this time I had seen numerous surgeons who all said the same thing. Based on the MRIs & CT Scans, there was no surgical procedure that would help me.

I finally found a surgeon who was willing to treat me by doing an exploratory surgery to see if a) I fused and the instrumentation was in place. His expectation was to remove the instrumentation but I was warned that there is a possibility that I would require revision surgery. Well, what he found was that the instrumentation was loose and there was no solid fusion. He did a revision (PLIF) and told me that it was so bad that he wanted to fuse me through the front (ALIF) as well. Two weeks after the first surgery, I had the second. He also discovered that I had severe osteoporosis. I was out of work for almost 1 year. I still did not apply for SSDI as once again, I fully expected to go back to work.

As of today, I am still in constant pain and have now been diagnosed with stenosis and a herniated disc @ L4/L5 which is 1 level up from the original problem. I am unable to sit or stand for more than 20 minutes at a time. My occupation requires that I am sitting 7+ hours of an 8 hour work day. I cannot bend, lift, twist or climb stairs. I am scheduled for my 4th spinal surgery in April 2011. My surgeon has declared me totally disabled (Class 5). I have hired a firm that does nothing but SSDI cases and have been told that I meet at least 3 of the impairments in the list that Social Security uses to declare disability.

That being said, I am waiting for the decision. Being a realist, I fully expect to be denied a few times before I am approved.

I am interested in others who have a similar story and what their result was.

Thanks

Susie & Pat,

Thank you so much for the words of encouragement. Now I am encouraged. I hope I didn't waste any $ with the law firm. The minimum they get is $1000 & maximum is $6,000. It all depends when I am approved and how much back pay there is. Luckily I have not yet heard anyone say I am a "disabled" person. I will probably flip out. I was an athlete my entire life and expected to work until I couldn't breathe anymore.

Here's to us DISABLED people!!!

THANKS

OMG

is the end of April - after geting the two adjudicator level denials ...Filed January of last year ... I have addition to my neck ... due to a car accident I now have a ruptured lumbar disk and need a cane to walk. That should help round out the picture for the ALJ.

The secretary of state cancelled my drivers license as they believe(right fully so) that my meds have an efffect on my ability to safely drive. I rear ended a police K9 unit on the way to pick up my pain meds but was on muscle relaxants - diazepam. I will find out this week if they are going to charge me with a DUI.

My house is still in foreclosure and I'm not sure when I am going to be kicked out of my home of 19 years.

Just hooked up with a newpain specialist who is going to try some ESI's for my neck and back.

Plenty of meds .... maybe ESI's will help - had facet injections in the past that did nuttin.

It's gonna be an interesting 90 - 180 days.

How much fun are we having??

D

To you susan and pat, on getting approved.
Very happy for ya's.

And to the people still trying to get approved, best of luck and i hope you do in-fact get approved.

back in 7/09 not expecting at all to be approved. I found out I was approved the end of October, 3 months later. AND, I got 2 years back pay. So OMG, and everyone else, don't lose hope!!!

It was my second application, as my first one in 12/07 was denied. I did have strong medical evidence in 2009, even though I thought I didn't. I have slowly continued to get worse, with still no one to operate. I've been told because my first surgery left so much scar tissue and damage, that it will be difficult to find a doctor to operate on me, because they inherit the issues from the first surgery once they touch me. Geesh!!!

Anyway, keep fighting, and don't give up!!!!

Caity

My personal experience with SSDI went like this. I applied 2.5 years ago and basically just waited and waited. After almost a year and a half I had been denied twice. It was at this point that I decided to hire a Social Security Disability lawyer to help me with my case. The specialized SSDI attorney made sure that I had all the correct paperwork filled out, and that I had all the necessary medical evidence to support my case. It turns out going to www.socialsecurity-disability.org and finding an attorney was the key to me being awarded benefits. Just 3 months after teaming up with my attorney, I found out I was approved.

HI,
I finally bit the bullet and applied for SSD, just before my last cervical fusion...I was approved in 5 weeks, got my settlement check, and now am waiting for the 1st monthly check. I ran my paperwork by a disability attorney, who said I didn't need him..just to make an appt at the SS ofc, and fill out all the online forms to apply. Had all related paperwork, as well as the WC settlement papers, from the surgeries back in 94/95. It is very important to keep an accurate record of dr's, tests, surgeries, hospitals and med's.
Frannie

i was just approved today. it took 6 months, and i got it on my first application. i had surgery in 2006 (hemilaminectomy and decompression)and 2008 (multiple level fusion) and was on disability from the same employer for both. my gradual return to work attempt last year was not successful.

diagnoses: moderate stenosis, severe osteoarthritis, neuropathic pain

EDIT: if you look at my avatar you will notice the erniation at L4-L5, but also that the disc space between L5-S1 is pretty much non existent ... paper thin

Having just gone through the gauntlet of SSD, I have grown to have a respect for the substantial methodology they employ in their determination.

I will share the highlights with you:

A. Common statements include: Do you have a Condition/Illness or disorder that will (or is expected to) last greater than one year.

B. Does it impair your ability to perform ADL's (activities of daily living).

Now for the heavy stuff: Applicable Law(s)(abridged)

The Social Security Administration has established a 5 step sequential evaluation process for determination whether an individual is disabled. The steps are followed in order. If it is determined that the claimant is not disabled at a step of the evaluation process, the evaluation will not go to the next step.

At step one the ALJ (Administrative Law Judge) must determine whether the claimant is engaging in substantial gainful activity (currently working) if he/she is.... then they are not disabled regardless of what their physical or mental limitations maybe. They will not proceed to step two.

At step two, the ALJ must determine whether the claimant has a medically determinable impairment that is "severe" or a combination of impairments that is "severe" within the meaning of the regulations.
(Significantly limits the ability to perform basic work activities). If the claimant does not have a "severe" or combination of "severe" medical impairments ... then they are not "disabled" and can not proceed to step three.

At step three, the ALJ must determine whether the claimant impairment or condition or combination of impairment meet of exceed the criteria of impairments listed in 20 CFR part 404 Subpart P Appendix 1. If the impairment or combination of impairments meets or medically equals the criteria and meets the duration requirement then the claimant is disabled if it does not, the analysis proceeds to the next step.

Before considering step four of the sequential evaluation process, the ALJ must first determine the claimant’s residual functional capacity. An individuals RFC is his/her ability to do physical and mental work on a sustained basis despite limitations from his/her impairments. In making this finding the ALJ must consider all of the claimant’s impairments, including those that are not severe. Next at step four the ALJ must determine whether the claimant has residual functional capacity to perform the requirements of his/her past relevant work. If the claimant has the residual functional capacity to do their past relevant work, the claimant is not disabled. If not then proceed to step 5.

At the last step of the sequential evaluation process the ALJ must determine whether the claimant is able to do any of work considering his/her residual functional capacity considering age, education, and work experience. If the claimant is able to do other work, he/she is not disabled. Although the burden of proof of proving disability at this step, a limited burden of proof shifts to the SSA. The SSA (Social Security Administration is responsible for providing such evidence that work exists in significant numbers within the claimants RFC considering age, education, and work experience.

The SSA may also bring in other criteria to be considered on a case by case basis to arrive at a final determination. In those cases the SSA must determine the extent that the other criteria are a factor in the determination of the above criteria and could use those factors to allow or disallow the determination of "disability".

My case had 5 1/2 pages of determinations and justifications covering each of the 5 points ....After 16 months - 2 obligatory denials a date hearing was set. The ALJ finally got my case and gave me a fully favorable determination without an actual hearing. Interesting!?

Power of prayer? (or I'm just a mess).

I hope this summary helps - You may want to google or Bing - Disability Secrets for more information and tips.

The govenment site is WWW.SocialSecurity.gov and has a ton of information. (as it should)

As always ... Warmest Regards to all,

d

Caity,

1. What your condition is?

I fractured my spine @ L5/S1 in 1999 resulting in Grade 2/3 spondylolisthesis at that spot causing impingement on the nerve. Had spinal fusion with instrumentation. Continued to have unbearable pain until 2008 when I found a spine surgeon who was willing to help me. Original surgeon said that there was nothing wrong that he could fix. Told me to go to Pain Management. I was on heavy dosages of morphine from 2001 to 2008. The new surgeon did an exploratory surgery which found that the original fusion never took (it was "mushy" and that 1 one of the screws were completely out while the remaining 3 screws were loose. At that point the surgeon re-did the fusion and instrumentation posteriorly. Two weeks later, I had another surgery anteriorly to place 2 HAMM cages to assist the fusion. After a year, I started to have severe pain again and was found to have severe stenosis and a herniated disc at L4/L5. U had surgery in 4/11 to fix that and have the instrumentation removed as the surgeon felt it was causing pain. They did a laminectomy, facetectomy, foraminectomy and a fusion augmentation as there would be no more instrumentation. In June of this year, I felt a twinge and all of the pain returned. A CT scan showed stenosis and a herniated disc at L3/L4. I am having a MRI tomorrow to see how bad it is. Based on the results I will either suffer in pain or have my 5th spinal surgery. I am currently out on disability since 1/11 and have been "let go" by my company. I am collecting disability from my company's Disability Policy. I am unable to sit, stand or walk for any more than 1 hour at a time. I cannot bend, twist, lift, push or pull and my surgeon has me classified as “markedly disabled and unable to work” as well as a class 5, “severe limitations of functional capacity, incapable of minimal (sedentary) activity (75% - 100%)” on the Physical Limitations scale. I also continue to have Grade 1 Spondylolisthesis which I will have forever.

2. Were you approved or denied?

I was denied by SSDI and hired an attorney to handle the appeal. It can take up to 2 years to get a hearing. My attorney said I "should" win but that's what was said about my initial claim. It's a crap shoot.
Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like your back is not bad enough to collect. Typically pain does not come into play in a SSDI case. Lookup SSDI on a search engine to see what they state are the conditions required for consideration. I have 3 of 4 conditions and was still denied. I wish you the very best of luck and please keep us posted on the outcome.

Out of work 4/2009
STD from employer 4/2009-10/2009
LTD from employer 10/2009 to present
Private invidudal disablity 10/2009 to present
LTD required SS app Summer 2010
Applied via attorney August 2010
SS referred me to consulting physician 10/2010
SS denied 12/2010
Attorney filed for reconsideration 01/2011
Recon denied 06/2011
Attorney filed for ALJ 07/2011
SS said 8-16 mo before ALJ hearing

I'm out for extensive spinal problems, knee problems, and overall orthopedic problems of multiple joints. Have been in structured Pain Mgmt for years with strong continual medications (MS Contin, Percocet, Soma, Neurontin, Celebrex, Voltaren Gel)

After the customary 2 denials at application and then at review, I was scheduled for my ALJ Hearing tomorrow (1/30/12). I received a call from my attorney last week the the ALJ reviewed my file and APPROVED my request for SSDI. The hearing was canceled. I have not received the Decision Letter yet so I am not sure at which of the 5 phases did it for me. Not sure why they didn't approve originally but I don't care as long as I won.

Thanks to all for your prayers and good wishes.

Just like OMGMyAchinBack...

I was scheduled for ALJ 2/1/12 and got a call Friday 1/27/12 that my file had been reviewed and I was APPROVED.

That's GREAT news Coincidence. It's quite a relief isn't it?

All the best.

OMG

01/99 - Diagnosed w/ Spondylolisthesis @ L5/S1. PLIF w/ instrumentation @ L5/S1
11/99 - Heart Attack, Stroke (mild), Angioplasty w/ stent
04/03 - Heart Attack, Angioplasty w/ stent
02/05 to present - 49 ESIs
03/06 - Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) implanted
06/08 - Diagnosed w/ failed fusion @ L5/S1. Revision PLIF w/ instrumentation @ L5/S1, ALIF @ L5/S1, SCS removed
01/11 - Applied for SSDI. Denied
01/11 - Filed for Group LTD from employer. Approved
01/11 - Filed for Private (Individual) LTD policy. Approved
04/11 - Applied for Reconsideration. Denied
04/11 - Diagnosed w/ stenosis. Decompression surgery @ L4/L5. Removal of instrumentation @ L5/S1. Bilateral microsurgical Laminotomies with partial Facetectomies and partial Foraminotomies. Fusion augmentation @ L5/S1.
11/11 - Diagnosed w/ Lumbar Facet Synovial Cyst @ L4/L5. Revision of Posterior Lumbar Decompression @ L4/L5. Lumbar Fusion w/ instrumentation @ L4-5.
01/12 - Scheduled for ALJ Hearing. ALJ makes "On the Record" (OTR) decision. Approved as Fully and Totally Disabled. ALJ Hearing canceled

My hearing is tomorrow at 9:30 wish me luck.

OMGMY, and SpineAZ.

Just wanna tell you i'm very happy for you both, and now hoping you were able to celebrate a little before getting back to business at hand.
Relax for one night and enjoy, you both earned it.

berg; the very best of luck to you, and i hope you are approved. Just keep thinking positive thoughts.

My best to you all.

Ok just found this site hoping someone still follows this because we need advice. My husband was hurt in a front end accident in dec 10. He has had back pain since then the doctors just kept sending him to physical therapy and doing regular xrays. Well after months the doctor he had retired and the new doctor did an mri because of the pain, numbness and tingling. He has several herniated discs and each are pinching nerves. several surgeons (neuro) now say there is nothing they can do to help him and that things will just continue to get worse. They say it is inoperable. He has tried to work since 3 days after the accident it has been a long hard struggle however the pain is now to the point he has been off work for a couple of weeks and without his income we are hurting bad as I am disabled with advanced MS. The doctors have now taken him off work and the comment was they have no idea if or when he will ever go back to work and that if one of them slips just right he could lose the use of his legs. He cant stand, sit, lay down etc for more than a few minutes at a time and nothing is helping the pain, (mind you he never complains about pain even after he had his nose smashed to his face years ago when a huge pipe wrench slipped and broke his nose at work, went to er that day because he passed out from blood loss but went right back to work and did not miss a day), anyways sorry for rambling no clue how to post this. What do we do? the doctors are all saying his chances of ever going back to work are very slim, He not only has the pain but has severe numbing and burning throughout his back and legs and feet. Should he apply for ssdi? No clue how any of this works as we have always had him working. any help or advice would be great ty.

Ok just found this site hoping someone still follows this because we need advice. My husband was hurt in a front end accident in dec 10. He has had back pain since then the doctors just kept sending him to physical therapy and doing regular xrays. Well after months the doctor he had retired and the new doctor did an mri because of the pain, numbness and tingling. He has several herniated discs and each are pinching nerves. several surgeons (neuro) now say there is nothing they can do to help him and that things will just continue to get worse. They say it is inoperable. He has tried to work since 3 days after the accident it has been a long hard struggle however the pain is now to the point he has been off work for a couple of weeks and without his income we are hurting bad as I am disabled with advanced MS. The doctors have now taken him off work and the comment was they have no idea if or when he will ever go back to work and that if one of them slips just right he could lose the use of his legs. He cant stand, sit, lay down etc for more than a few minutes at a time and nothing is helping the pain, (mind you he never complains about pain even after he had his nose smashed to his face years ago when a huge pipe wrench slipped and broke his nose at work, went to er that day because he passed out from blood loss but went right back to work and did not miss a day), anyways sorry for rambling no clue how to post this. What do we do? the doctors are all saying his chances of ever going back to work are very slim, He not only has the pain but has severe numbing and burning throughout his back and legs and feet. Should he apply for ssdi? No clue how any of this works as we have always had him working. any help or advice would be great ty.