Neurological disorders encompass a long list of medical conditions that can affect your speech, movement, and cognition. Because such impairments can prevent you from sustaining meaningful, gainful employment, your neurological disorder might qualify you for disability benefits. An attorney from the Disability Advantage Group, can help you build a winning claim for benefits.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers disability for neurological disorders—as long as applicants meet specific health and income-related criteria. To receive approval, we must submit a thorough, compelling claim and strong evidence of your disability. Our attorneys are ready to fight for the benefits you deserve.
Whether it is your first time applying or you are appealing a denial, our legal team can help you in your fight for benefits. We have the tools and resources to put together a strong claim—or build a compelling appeals case—on your behalf.
The process starts with a free consultation, where we will review your medical records, determine your eligibility for benefits, answer all of your questions, and advise you of your options. If you decide to work with us, we will begin gathering evidence and building your claim right away.
To set up a free consultation, call our office at 865-566-0800 today.
How Can Disability Benefits Help Me If I Have a Neurological Disorder?
Since neurological disorders affect your nervous system—potentially resulting in reduced motor function, communication impairment, and decreased physical and mental functioning—your condition may prevent you from working and earning a living. Most neurological disorders are chronic conditions, meaning they present long-term effects and symptoms. Sufferers often face a lifelong fight to retain their health and quality of life.
A disability award from the SSA can keep financial stress from compounding your difficulties, allowing you to devote your time and energy to your health. For many, these benefits are essential so they can care for themselves and their families.
If you qualify, our attorneys want to help you win the benefits you deserve.
How Can I Qualify for Disability for a Neurological Disorder?
There are two ways to win disability benefits for a neurological disorder.
First, if your diagnosis meets the criteria for a condition listed in the SSA’s Blue Book, you can qualify for benefits. If this does not apply in your case, our other option is to show that your condition is functionally equivalent to one listed in the Blue Book.
What Are the Blue Book Criteria for Neurological Disorders?
The SSA’s Blue Book provides a master list of disabling medical conditions that qualify for monthly benefits. However, to receive benefits for a Blue Book condition, your diagnosis must meet the specific criteria listed for that condition.
Blue Book Section 11.00Â lists the neurological disorders for which the SSA grants benefits, along with the criteria to receive an approval for each of them. Qualifying diagnoses include:
- Epilepsy;
- Post-polio syndrome;
- Myasthenia gravis;
- Spinal cord disorders;
- Friedreich’s ataxia;
- Cerebral palsy;
- Vascular insult to the brain;
- Benign brain tumors;
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS);
- Parkinsonian syndrome;
- Multiple sclerosis;
- Muscular dystrophy;
- Peripheral neuropathy;
- Huntington’s disease;
- Traumatic brain injury; and
We can explain the specific criteria required for your condition and advise you on the best options for putting together a winning claim. We will need strong medical evidence from your doctor to prove you meet the SSA’s criteria before you apply.
If your diagnosis is not in the Blue Book, we can show that it is functionally equivalent to a listed condition. We do this using the residual functional capacity (RFC) test.
What Is the RFC Test?
The RFC test helps us prove that your condition impairs your ability to work to the same extent as a listed condition would. Your doctor fills out the RFC, populating it with his or her observations on how your diagnosis has affected your ability to complete work-related tasks. A strong RFC test can be as effective as showing you meet a Blue Book listing.
Are There Other Requirements for Disability?
Besides meeting the medical requirements, the SSA will also look at your income, assets, and work history before the organization will consider you fully disabled.
The SSA offers two disability programs:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is for people who have been in the work force long enough to qualify; and
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which assists qualifying applicants who have a demonstrated financial need, a low income, and little to no assets.
We can review both programs with you and determine which one you qualify for based on your financial situation.
How Can I Schedule a Free Consultation With a Disability Lawyer?
The disability lawyers at the Disability Advantage Group, can help you understand how to qualify for monthly benefits from the SSA. To set up a free evaluation of your claim, call us today at 865-566-0800.