Neurological Disorders and Disability Benefits: A Comprehensive Guide

Neurological disorders can significantly impact an individual’s ability to work and maintain financial stability. Fortunately, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can financially support qualifying individuals. This article will discuss what neurological disorders qualify for disability benefits, how to apply, how much compensation is available, any exclusions, and the conditions one should meet to apply.

What Neurological Disorders Can Qualify for Disability Benefits?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a list of impairments considered severe enough to qualify for disability benefits. This list includes neurological disorders such as:

Epilepsy

A disorder that causes seizures. The frequency, type, and duration of epileptic seizures are considered when determining a person’s impairment.

Cerebral Palsy

A group of disorders that affects muscle function, tone, and strength. Severe cerebral palsy can result in low IQ or emotional impairment in severe cases.

Parkinson’s Disease

A chronic and progressive disorder that affects the nervous system impairs movement, and may cause tremors.

Multiple Sclerosis

A condition in the central nervous system that damages myelin, which helps protect nerve fibers, muscle power, vision, and memory abilities.

Traumatic Brain Injury

An injury occurs when the brain is subjected to sudden trauma, such as a blow to the head.

Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes may qualify you for disability benefits if it prevents you from working. However, not everyone with diabetes qualifies, and the application process for those benefits may be lengthy and complex. Seek help from Binder and Binder attorneys for diabetes disability.

Fibromyalgia

Chronic body pain that leads to fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive issues makes daily tasks and employment challenging for individuals with this illness.

Heart Disease

Heart failure may qualify as a disability if its effects significantly limit your ability to work or engage in other major life activities.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory lung condition. People with asthma have hypersensitive lung tissue that becomes sensitive to certain triggers.

Cancer

If your cancer has reached stage IV or terminal, you may qualify automatically for disability benefits. The types of cancer that qualify for disability include:

  • Esophageal
  • Gallbladder 
  • Brain
  • Inflammatory breast
  • Liver
  • Pancreatic
  • Salivary
  • Sinonasal
  • Any small cell
  • Thyroid

Though your neurological disorder may not appear on this list, you could still qualify if it meets any other impairment criteria or prevents you from working.

How to Apply for Disability Benefits?

How to apply for neurological disorder disability? You must fill out an application with the SSA. Apply for Social Security benefits online or at your local Social Security office. Your application will request information on your medical condition, work history, and personal details. You must also provide medical evidence, such as doctors’ reports and test results, to support your claim.

The SSA will review your application and may request additional information or medical exams to support your claim. Providing complete and accurate information is crucial to avoid delays or denials.

Are There Any Exclusions?

There are a few common exclusions from the disability coverage of pregnancies (complications are covered), and war crimes and periods in confinement or preexisting ailments are among them.

Long-term disability policies usually exclude injuries caused by self-inflicted injury, drug abuse, or mental disorders that may prevent their coverage. Look for reputable disability lawyers to learn more about this.

Conditions to Apply

To apply for disability benefits based on a neurological disorder, including fibromyalgia, there are several conditions that you must meet. These conditions ensure that only those who cannot work due to their medical condition receive benefits.

To qualify for disability benefits, it is necessary to meet several conditions:

  • Your medical condition must meet the definition of disability by SSA.
  • You must have earned sufficient work credits if applying for SSDI benefits.
  • Your limited income and resources must limit your ability to perform work-related tasks effectively.
  • You must apply for disability benefits by completing the necessary paperwork and providing all required medical evidence.

Meeting these conditions can be challenging, but if you cannot work due to a neurological disorder, it is important to pursue disability benefits to help support yourself and your family.

Conclusion

Neurological disorders can significantly impact a person’s ability to work and earn a living. SSI and SSDI can provide much-needed financial support for individuals with neurological disorders who cannot work due to disability.

If you or a family member has a neurological disorder and cannot work, it is essential to understand the eligibility criteria and application process for Social Security Disability Income and Supplemental Security Income benefits (SSI/SSDI). Working with an attorney or representative increases your odds of securing these vital funds for everyone.

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