If you or a loved one is rendered unable to work because of seizures, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) may offer some much-needed relief. Caused by unusual electrical activity in the brain, seizures may make it difficult to maintain normal daily functioning and interfere with the patient’s ability to work at a job or through self-employment.
However, winning SSI or SSDI benefits is overly difficult because of the complex federal regulations and procedural technicalities set up by the SSA. Less than one-third of all applications for SSI or SSDI benefits made to the SSA result in an approval letter being issued. Other applications are denied for several reasons. Availing the services of an experienced Social Security Disability (SSD) Benefits Lawyer may help you navigate through the complicated applications process.
Consulting an experienced and knowledgeable Seizures Disability Benefits Lawyer at The Keener Law Firm will facilitate you in understanding whether your impairment qualifies for SSD benefits.
The SSA uses the Listing of Impairments, also called the Blue Book, to determine whether an applicant meets its definition and standard of disability. There are two different listings for seizures disorders in the SSA Blue Book- Listing 11.02 (convulsive epilepsy) and Listing 11.03 (non-convulsive epilepsy). For each listing, you must satisfy the eligibility criteria specified by the Social Security Administration.
To qualify for disability benefits under listing 11.02, you must prove the following:
For listing 11.03, you are required to show the following:
If you do not meet either of the listing criteria, you should not lose the hope of winning the disability benefits you need. You can still win SSI or SSDI benefits based on an assessment of the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) and medical-vocational guidelines.
Using this approach, you need to prove that your seizures have symptoms that affect your ability to perform daily activities and it prevents you from working. You must prove that it affects your ability to work to such an extent that you cannot continue your past job or adapt to any other job.
If you or a loved one suffers from seizures, you must speak with an experienced and knowledgeable Seizures Disability Benefits Lawyer at our office. Contact The Keener Law Firm today for a free consultation and claim review.