Cervical Spinal Stenosis and Long-Term Disability Claims

Cervical spinal stenosis can have a profound impact on your ability to work. Yet even when the symptoms are debilitating, long-term disability (LTD) insurance companies often deny or terminate benefits. This article explains what cervical spinal stenosis is, how it can interfere with employment, and what to do if your LTD claim has been wrongfully denied.

What Is Cervical Spinal Stenosis?

Cervical spinal stenosis is a degenerative condition in which the spinal canal narrows in the neck (cervical spine), compressing the spinal cord and nerves. The term “stenosis” means “narrowing,” and that narrowing can restrict blood flow and irritate nerves, leading to pain, numbness, and mobility issues.

Common symptoms include:

• Stiffness or pain in the neck or upper back
• Pain and weakness in the hands or upper extremities
• Balance and coordination problems
• Loss of bowel or bladder control

If symptoms are severe or progress over time, they can significantly reduce your ability to perform routine tasks or maintain gainful employment.

Cervical stenosis is one type of spinal stenosis. For an overview of spinal stenosis in general, visit our spinal stenosis page. To learn more about how lumbar spinal stenosis impacts work ability and disability claims, see our lumbar spinal stenosis article.

Causes and Risk Factors

Most individuals diagnosed with cervical spinal stenosis are over the age of 50. However, it can also develop in younger people due to trauma, curvature of the spine, or hereditary factors. Conditions that may contribute to cervical stenosis include:

• Herniated or bulging discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Bone spurs
• Cervical Instability

How Cervical Spinal Stenosis Can Limit Your Ability to Work

Cervical spinal stenosis may cause chronic pain, weakness, and numbness that interferes with both physical and sedentary jobs. For example:

• A factory or warehouse worker may no longer be able to lift or operate machinery safely.
• An office worker may struggle to sit for long periods due to pain radiating from the neck to the arms.
• A retail employee may be limited by fatigue, loss of balance, or the need to take unscheduled breaks.

Even when sitting relieves symptoms temporarily, flare-ups can make it difficult to maintain a consistent work schedule or complete tasks efficiently.

Diagnosing Cervical Spinal Stenosis

Doctors typically rely on a combination of symptoms and imaging tests to diagnose cervical spinal stenosis. Useful diagnostic tools include:

• X-rays to identify bone spurs or degeneration
• MRI scans to assess nerve compression
• CT scans for a detailed view of spinal structures

Stenosis may be classified into:

• Central Stenosis: Narrowing of the central spinal canal
• Lateral Stenosis: Compression of nerve roots exiting the spine
• Foraminal Stenosis: Nerve compression in the foramen, where nerves exit the spinal column

Why LTD Claims for Cervical Spinal Stenosis Are Often Denied

LTD insurers frequently deny or terminate claims involving spinal conditions, arguing that:

• Imaging does not correlate with reported symptoms
• You can still perform sedentary work
• You haven’t pursued “appropriate” treatment
• Your condition is not severe enough to justify time off

They may also rely on file reviews from third-party doctors who never examine you in person, or surveillance evidence taken out of context.

What Medical Evidence Do You Need to Prove Disability?

A strong LTD claim requires more than just a diagnosis. You must show how your condition limits your functional ability. Key evidence includes:

• MRI or CT scans showing spinal narrowing and nerve compression
• Clinical exam findings (e.g., abnormal reflexes, weakness, range of motion loss)
• Physician notes documenting symptoms over time
• Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs)
• Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) forms detailing work-related limitations

You may also include information about treatments you’ve tried, including physical therapy, medication, injections, or surgery, and whether they’ve been effective.

Understanding Your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)

The insurance company may evaluate your Residual Functional Capacity to determine what level of work you can still do. Your RFC may show, for example, that:

• You can’t lift more than 10 pounds
• You need to take frequent breaks
• You can’t sit or stand for prolonged periods
• You require the ability to alternate between sitting and standing

If these limitations prevent you from performing your own occupation—or any occupation—you may qualify for LTD benefits.

RELATED POST: Own Occupation vs. Any Occupation

Mental Health and Cervical Spinal Stenosis

Living with chronic pain can take a toll on mental health. If you suffer from anxiety, depression, or cognitive issues due to pain or medications, be sure to document these conditions. Mental health RFC forms from a psychologist or psychiatrist can further support your claim.

LTD Denied? Why Legal Help Matters

If your claim has been denied or terminated, a long-term disability attorney can help you:

• Review the denial letter and identify weaknesses in the insurer’s reasoning
• Gather missing or updated medical documentation
• Obtain strong RFCs and FCEs
• Challenge file review opinions and surveillance evidence
• Navigate appeals and, if needed, litigation

Time limits for appeals are short, just 180 days, so don’t delay.

Talk to an LTD Lawyer About Your Spinal Stenosis Claim

The Ortiz Law Firm represents claimants nationwide in long-term disability appeals and lawsuits. If your claim for cervical spinal stenosis was denied, call us today at (888) 321-8131 for a free case evaluation. We offer personalized support, nationwide representation, and you don’t pay a fee unless we recover benefits on your behalf.