Is Retrolisthesis a Disability? How to Qualify for Benefits

If you have retrolisthesis and are unable to work because of it, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. According to the latest Social Security Administration (SSA) report, an estimated 34% of disability recipients qualify for benefits due to a condition of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue like retrolisthesis.

To secure benefits through the SSA, you must meet the qualification criteria for retrolisthesis. We'll walk you through what you need to know and help you decide what next steps to get support for your retrolisthesis.

What is retrolisthesis?

Retrolisthesis is a joint dysfunction, in which the small bones that make up the spine, known as vertebrae, slip backward onto one another. This slippage can result in the vertebra moving back along the intervertebral disc or over top of it. Retrolisthesis can occur in the cervical spine (the upper portion of the spine), the lumbar spine (the lower portion), or the thoracic spine (the middle portion).

Is retrolisthesis a disability?

Yes, the SSA considers retrolisthesis a disability. You can receive Social Security disability benefits for retrolisthesis if you are unable to work because of your condition. The Americans with Disability Act (ADA), a law passed in 1990 prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities, also considers retrolisthesis a disability if it is substantially limiting.

How the SSA defines retrolisthesis

The SSA’s list of qualifying conditions, known as the SSA Blue Book, does not list retrolisthesis. However, the SSA can consider disability claims for retrolisthesis under spinal conditions in Section 1.0 (Musculoskeletal System).

Symptoms of retrolisthesis

Retrolisthesis is the backward slippage of a vertebra on the back. This can result in symptoms such as:

• Discomfort, pain, or numbness in the back and surrounding areas, such as the hips, legs, buttocks, arms, shoulders, or neck

• Changes in posture or range of motion

• A bulge in the back or distortion of the spine

• Weakness in the extremities or difficulty walking

3 types of retrolisthesis

There are three main types of retrolisthesis, categorized based on the placement of the displaced vertebra with surrounding vertebrae:

1. Partial retrolisthesis: One vertebra moves backward to either the vertebra above or below it.

2. Stair-stepped retrolisthesis: In this type of retrolisthesis, a vertebra moves backward to the vertebrae located above it but ahead of the one below it.

3. Complete retrolisthesis: With this form, a vertebra moves backward to the spinal segments both above and below it.

Can you get disability for retrolisthesis?

Yes, it is possible to receive disability benefits for retrolisthesis. However, to qualify, you must prove to the SSA that you are unable to work due to your retrolisthesis.

It can be easier to win benefits if you have more than one qualifying condition on your application. For instance, individuals with retrolisthesis are also commonly affected by the following conditions, and applying with multiple conditions can boost qualification odds:

• Arthritis

• Congenital disabilities  

• Degenerative spinal issues

• Osteoporosis

To learn more about these conditions and others, check out our main guide on qualifying conditions.

How to get disability with retrolisthesis

To get disability with retrolisthesis, you must prove that your condition is severe and will prevent you from working for at least 12 months. To prove this, you must have:

• A diagnosis from a medical professional

• Evidence of your symptoms and their duration and severity from both medical and non-medical sources

• Reports from physical examinations, including detailed descriptions of objective clinical findings and direct observations

• Results from diagnostic testing or imaging

• Documentation of treatment you've received thus far, including any relevant operative reports if you have undergone surgery, and details on the effects of these treatments

The SSA also will weigh the grading or severity of your retrolisthesis when evaluating your application, as seen in the imaging. For your retrolisthesis to be considered Grade 1, the vertebra must be displaced by at least 2 millimeters from its normal position.

4 questions to ask yourself before applying

Before you apply for disability benefits, you might find it helpful to gauge your likelihood of qualifying. If you can answer “yes” to most or all of the following questions, then you have a good chance of winning benefits:

1. Has a professional diagnosed you with retrolisthesis and documented your symptoms and their severity?

2. Do you have results from medical tests, such as imaging, that show your retrolisthesis and the extent of the vertebral displacement?

3. Does your retrolisthesis significantly limit your mobility?

4. Are you seeking treatment for your retrolisthesis, or is surgery necessary?

My retrolisthesis meets the criteria. Now what?

If you check the boxes to qualify for disability benefits for your retrolisthesis, the next step is to apply for disability benefits. Because the process can take a while, it's helpful to get started as soon as you can.

What if my retrolisthesis doesn’t meet the criteria?

If you are unsure your condition satisfies the SSA’s criteria, you can still apply for disability benefits. Just remember that you will have to demonstrate that your retrolisthesis prevents you from working. Consider the following:

• Apply now if:

  • Your retrolisthesis will prevent you from working for at least 12 months.

  • You have another qualifying condition alongside retrolisthesis.

• Consider waiting and applying later if:

  • You have not stopped working yet due to your retrolisthesis, but you may need to at some point.

  • Your symptoms could improve with treatment or are moderate.

• Probably don’t apply if:

  • You can likely still work in some capacity.

  • You earn over $1,620 per month (the maximum income limit for 2025).

What type of benefits should I apply for?

With retrolisthesis or any disability, there are technically two types of disability benefits for which you can apply: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both are government programs designed to support those who are unable to work due to a disability, and they both include health insurance (Medicare is offered for SSDI, while Medicaid is provided for SSI).

SSDI is for individuals who have worked and paid taxes for at least five of the last 10 years. Meanwhile, SSI is for those with few assets and little income.

How much is a disability check for retrolisthesis?

The average monthly disability check for someone with retrolisthesis is $1,614.39. You might get more or less than that though — the maximum amount you can get for retrolisthesis as of 2025 is $4,018 per month for SSDI and $967 per month for SSI. 

The exact amount you receive depends on your work history and sources of income. The upper limits apply no matter which conditions — or how many qualifying conditions — are listed on your application.

Get help with your application

It’s important to know that the SSA denies more than 70% of initial applicants. You can and should appeal the denial, and the chances of winning a disability appeal improve. Take our 2-minute quiz to see if you qualify. Atticus can offer you free advice about your claim and introduce you to an experienced disability lawyer if you’d like. There are no costs upfront, you only pay your lawyer a one-time fee when you win benefits.

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Related resources:

Everything You Should Know About Disability Benefits (SSDI and SSI)

By Sarah Aitchison

An Easy-to-Follow Guide to Applying for Disability Benefits

By Jackie Jakab