What Neurological Disorders Qualify for Social Security Disability?
Many neurological disorders can qualify for Social Security Disability if they are severe enough to prevent you from working.
Social Security has an entire category in its disability listings for neurological disorders. That means it recognizes these conditions as disabling and provides directions on what you can document for your disability claim with each impairment.
The conditions listed affect movement, communication, physical function, mental function and the nervous system as a whole.
Neurological disorders that can qualify for disability benefits include:
- Stroke
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Cerebral palsy
- Spinal cord disorders
- Muscular dystrophy
- Myasthenia gravis muscle weakness
- ALS
Even when a person’s condition meets one of Social Security’s disability listings, that’s not the only factor in winning benefits. And you can have a condition not on the list and still get benefits.
Social Security could still approve your disability claim as long as your individual symptoms and limitations show that you cannot work. Social Security will look for evidence about your everyday functioning.
As an example, one person living with MS may still be able to work, while another person with the same diagnosis may have severe fatigue, numbness, vision problems, balance issues and flare-ups that make steady work unrealistic or impossible.
Social Security is not only looking at the name of your diagnosis, but also at what your condition does to your life and ability to maintain employment.
What Evidence Do You Need for a Neurological Disability Claim?
Strong medical evidence is one of the most important parts of your disability claim for a neurological disorder.
Social Security needs documentation of your diagnosis, treatment and limitations.
Evidence may include:
- Reports from a neurologist
- Primary care records
- Hospitalization records
- Emergency room records
- MRIs, CT scans or other imaging results
- EEG results for seizures
- EMG or nerve conduction study results
- Lab testing
- Records of medication you take
- Physical therapy or occupational therapy notes
- Speech therapy records
- Neuropsychological testing
- Records of falls, seizures and flare-ups
- Statements from doctors about your limitations
- Details about side effects from medications
It is also important to document how your condition affects daily life.
Can you drive safely? Can you stand long enough to work? Are you able to walk without falling? Do you struggle to use your hands? Can you remember instructions and stay focused? Can you show up regularly? Can you get through a full day without needing to lie down due to fatigue?
These are the kinds of real-life limitations that affect your ability to work and therefore your eligibility for disability benefits.
Neurological disorder claims can be especially challenging because many symptoms are not always visible. Fatigue, nerve pain, memory issues, dizziness and confusion may not appear in a quick doctor’s appointment. Some conditions vary from day to day.
Building a strong and detailed disability case is important. An experienced Oklahoma disability lawyer knows what evidence you need, how to discuss your impairment with doctors to get the right information from them, and how to present your limitations to Social Security in a convincing way.
At Troutman & Troutman, we’ll help keep your claim on track.
We’re a disability law firm created by an Oklahoma family to help other Oklahoma families. We serve the entire state, covering Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Owasso, Bartlesville, Tahlequah, Muskogee, all of Eastern Oklahoma and more.
If your neurological condition has taken away your ability to work, talk to Troutman & Troutman. We are here to help you reclaim stability in your life.
Wherever You Are in the Disability Benefits Process, We Can Help
You may be trying to determine if Social Security Disability benefits are right for you. You may be facing a long, complicated benefits application. Or maybe you’ve applied and been denied. Now what? The Troutman & Troutman Oklahoma disability attorneys can help.
Disability Attorneys Answer Your Questions about Social Security
Your life has been disrupted by health problems. You’ve had to leave work. You’re worried about money. Social Security Disability benefits can provide relief, but they’re complicated. You’ve got a lot of questions. The Troutman & Troutman Tulsa disability lawyers have answers.
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