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Spinal stenosis is common, especially as people get older. Because of that, insurance companies often scrutinize these claims closely. An insurer may argue that spinal stenosis is a normal age-related finding, that many people have similar MRI results, or that the condition should not prevent someone from working.
For a long term disability claim, the issue is usually not simply whether imaging shows spinal stenosis. The more important issue is whether the condition causes symptoms and functional limitations that prevent the person from performing the material duties of the occupation on a reliable, full-time basis.
That distinction matters. A person may be able to sit through dinner, drive short distances, or walk around the house, but still be unable to commute, sit through a full workday, attend long meetings, travel, or maintain focus while dealing with pain, numbness, weakness, or medication side effects.
