When evaluating a claim where the applicant has had a fusion or laminectomy, the preoperative
pathology, the operative findings, the surgical procedure, and the response to the
surgery including considerations of any postoperative complications must be considered
in determining when a claimant has or will be capable of resuming SGA.
The findings should be considered in light of the claimant's past customary work.
While an individual with satisfactory recuperation following laminectomy and disc
excision may be able to return to sedentary and light work activity at two months,
a period of 3 or 4 months may be necessary for the same individual to return to medium
work activity.
In the absence of unusual preoperative pathology and/or complications of surgery and
healing, the recuperative period for return to work ordinarily would not exceed 6
months.
Care should be taken not to place excessive weight on unsupported postoperative complaints
or symptoms.