Qualifying Neurological Disorders for Disability Benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is responsible for approving and denying disability claims. They determine whether a claimant qualifies for disability benefits based on the disorders listed in the Blue Book.
The Blue Book categorizes disabilities and their symptoms into sections, each of which deals with various conditions that affect particular body systems. Section 11.00 of the Blue Book covers neurological conditions.
The SSA evaluates neurological disorders that may cause a combination of physical and/or mental impairments. These include the following:
- Epilepsy
- Coma or Persistent Vegetative State (PVS)
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
- Vascular Insult to The Brain
- Benign Brain Tumors
- Parkinsonian Syndrome
- Cerebral Palsy
- Spinal Cord Disorders
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Post-Polio Syndrome
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Neurodegenerative Disorders of The Central Nervous System (such as Huntington’s disease, Friedreich’s Ataxia, and Spinocerebellar Degeneration)
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Motor Neuron Disorders other than ALS
Applying for SSDI
If you are suffering from a neurological condition that prevents you from supporting yourself and taking part in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), you should qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
In order to successfully apply for disability benefits, a claimant must be able to prove they have a disability that prevents them from working, and provide evidence and documentation that supports this claim. A claimant must also prove that the condition has lasted or is expected to last for one year or longer.
The SSA requires both medical and non-medical evidence, such as documented symptoms and laboratory test results, to assess the severity of a claimant’s neurological disorder.
Medical evidence can include things like medical history, examination results, imaging results, responses to any prescribed treatments, etc. Non-medical evidence can include listed restrictions on daily activities, statements from others that support the disability claim, and more.
The SSA will not purchase complex imaging, laboratory testing, diagnostic testing, or tests that are invasive or may involve significant risk. The SSA will also not routinely purchase tests that are expensive or not readily available.
Some specific conditions that are evaluated under the Neurological Disorders category in the Blue Book include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Acoustic Neuroma
- Chronic Migraines
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- Narcolepsy
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident)
- Tourette’s Syndrome
- Von Hippel-Lindau
Why Hire A Social Security Disability Benefits Lawyer in Stockton
Gathering all necessary supporting documentation and medical evidence can be tedious, complicated, and frustrating. Many disability claims are initially denied due to improper filing or some other preventable issue. Filing for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits with the help of an experienced Social Security lawyer will eliminate the guesswork. When you rely on the legal team at Peña & Bromberg, you can rest assured that your claim will be properly filed on time, and far more likely to be approved by the Social Security Administration.
One of The Best SSDI Lawyers in Stockton, CA
When filing a disability claim with the Social Security Administration, the disability application process can be difficult and time consuming. At Peña & Bromberg, we serve clients by taking care of all the necessary steps in order to appropriately file your claim, so you always receive the best chances of being approved for benefits.
Contact our law firm to request a free consultation at (559) 314-2947, and speak to one of our qualified Social Security Disability lawyers today.
