Knoxville woman caught in a “catch 22” after losing SSD benefits

by Sep 28, 2016

Home » FAQs » Knoxville woman caught in a “catch 22” after losing SSD benefits

Anyone in the U.S. who has experienced epilepsy first-hand, either as a sufferer or as a loved one of someone with epilepsy, knows that it is a frightening and debilitating condition. Knoxville residents may be saddened to hear that an area woman who had been relying on Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits to afford her epilepsy medication that allowed her to live independently has found that her benefits have been cut, leaving her in quite a conundrum.

The woman has an epileptic condition, and suffered from uncontrollable grand mal seizures. When having a seizure, she bit her tongue, hit her head and blood or foam would flow from her mouth. It could take hours for her to regain normal function. These seizures were chronic and unprovoked, making it impossible for her to work.

She tried to work full time in a factory, but her frequent seizures made it impossible and she was forced to quit. Six years ago, the woman began receiving Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, along with Medicare.

By taking anti-seizure medication over the past 15 months, the woman regained her health and her ability to live a relatively normal life. But, in May, the woman received a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) that her monthly benefits of $1,200 will be coming to an end as they deemed her health has improved enough to allow her to work.

However, without the SSD benefits, the woman finds she will no longer be able to afford the medication she needs to be able to work per the SSA’s opinion. Moreover, the woman’s physicians informed her that the four anti-seizure medications she takes are vital for her physical well-being. The woman has appealed the decision, and it is currently under consideration.

It remains to be seen how this woman’s situation will turn out. While losing her benefits has certainly left her in a difficult position, it is important to remember that there is an appeals process in place for situations like these. Those in Knoxville who believe, like this woman, that they have been wrongfully denied SSD benefits may want to seek legal help with their appeal, to increase their chances for success.

Source: WATE, “Knoxville woman with epilepsy loses Social Security disability, Medicare,” Don Dare, Sept. 21, 2016