Social Security Disability and Neurological Disorders
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If you have a neurological disorder that prevents you from working full-time, you might be able to receive disability benefits from Social Security. Neurological disorders affect the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nervous system, and can cause significant motor or sensory impairment. A range of symptoms from loss of speech to whole body paralysis can result from neurological damage or disease. Social Security recognizes seventeen categories of nervous system disorders that cover the 600 distinct neurological conditions identified by physician specialists. While neurological disorders often present with devastating symptoms, only 9% of SSDI beneficiaries in 2011 received benefit payments for a nervous system or sense organ complaint. This startlingly small percentage prompted the SSA to begin a revision of its guidelines for determining disabilities for neurological disorders in 2012.
The most common neurological complaints that fall within the SSDI listing of impairments include epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness). If you suffer from epilepsy, you will qualify for SSDI benefits under the following conditions. If your seizures result in loss of consciousness (grand mal seizures), you must experience at least one seizure a month after three months of treatment in order to qualify for benefits. Either daytime convulsions with loss of consciousness or nighttime seizures that impair daytime functioning or interfere with routine tasks can satisfy the Agency’s conditions. Frequent seizures without loss of consciousness (petit mal) must occur at least once a week after three months of treatment and severely impair work performance in order to qualify an individual for insurance.
Cerebral palsy refers to a set of conditions that restrict motor coordination and development. Individuals suffering from cerebral palsy must have an IQ under 70, demonstrate severe emotional or behavioral problems, or display significant sensory impairment, such as hearing loss, blindness, or poor speech performance, in order to meet the criteria for disability.
Other neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, neuropathy, neuralgia, etc. must involve the loss of motor function in two extremities, a severely restricted a gait, communication difficulties, or similar debilitating symptoms before Social Security will approve a claim.
In short, while neurological disorders make up less than ten percent of SSDI-approved claims, these types of illness often meet the threshold for severe impairment, preventing people from performing substantial work. The SSA is preparing a new set of guidelines that should make it easier for people with nervous disorders to get their rightful benefits.
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Articles contained here are not intended to provide legal advice, only providing general information. We encourage individuals to consult with an attorney regarding individual circumstances.
