Living with a neurological illness is difficult enough, but the financial load that comes with it can be overwhelming. You may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a neurological illness that prohibits you from working. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) must first assess that you are unable to work on a regular basis to be eligible for disability benefits.
SSA Qualifying Neurological Conditions
The rules described in the Blue Book are used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to decide whether a person’s disabilities are severe enough to qualify them for Social Security disability benefits. The Blue Book is organized into sections, each of which addresses ailments that impact a certain physiological function or system. The eleventh part is dedicated to neurological disorders. Section 11.00 of the Adult Listings in the Blue Book lists neurological illnesses that may qualify applicants for SSD compensation. The following neurological diseases may make someone eligible for benefits, according to this section:
- Epilepsy
- Stroke
- Benign brain tumors
- Parkinson’s disease
- Cerebral palsy
- Spinal cord disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Post-polio syndrome
- Myasthenia gravis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Neurodegenerative disorders
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Motor neuron disorders other than ALS
What If My Neurological Disorder Doesn’t Meet a Listing?
It’s fairly common for someone to have a neurological condition that prevents them from working, but does not match the Blue Book’s listing. Even if you don’t fulfill the Blue Book standards for disability benefits, you may be eligible for payments if the Social Security Administration determines that you are unable to work due to your symptoms.
In these situations, you can apply for a Medical Vocational Allowance. The Medical Vocational Allowance is a special circumstance that allows people who don’t meet the Blue Book conditions to receive Social Security Disability benefits. A Residual Functional Capacity evaluation form must be submitted to receive a Medical Vocational Allowance. Officials from the Social Security Administration will examine the RFC as well as your age, employment history, and skill level to see if there is any work you can undertake. They’ll also consider things like your ability to stand for 6-8 hours or type for 6-8 hours every day.
Contact a Michigan Disability Lawyer to Help Increase Your Approval for Benefits
It’s difficult to tell if you’ll ever be able to work again or how you’ll be able to support yourself in the long run if you have a serious neurological condition. If you’re seeking assistance in filing a claim for disability benefits due to a neurological condition, you’ll need the assistance of a DAM disability lawyer. Disability law is all we do. So let us put our experience to work for you. There is no charge for the consultation, and there is no fee unless we win. So, give us a call today at 888-793-6825 for a Free Confidential Consultation.