A review of Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), listed impairments (Section 1.05) for axial pain, the application process, appeals process, and the importance and impact of the treating physician's role in Social Security disability determination is discussed. The authors summarize the major types of disability programs and the present impairment rating systems, and present recent research in the complicated area of chronic pain and illness behavior that may alter the present system. They give recommendations that may aid the treating physician to prepare the patient's application for Social Security Disability Income.