Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine that ranges from mild to severe. While mild scoliosis may cause few problems, severe scoliosis — particularly when accompanied by chronic pain, nerve involvement, or complications from spinal fusion surgery — can permanently prevent a person from working in physical roles.
When does scoliosis support a TPD claim?
The diagnosis alone is rarely enough. What matters is the functional impact: chronic pain, restricted movement, nerve compression causing weakness or numbness, or post-surgical complications. These consequences, when severe and permanent, support a TPD claim particularly for people in physically demanding occupations.
Evidence needed
- Spinal specialist or orthopaedic surgeon reports
- Pre- and post-operative imaging and surgical records if surgery was performed
- Pain management records
- Evidence of functional limitations and their impact on working capacity
Combined conditions matter
Scoliosis alongside other conditions — disc disease, arthritis, mental health impacts — may together meet the TPD threshold even if scoliosis alone would not. Check your eligibility with a free assessment.