Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program designed to aid in supporting people who are unable to earn a living wage due to their disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) approves and denies disability claims, determining which ones qualify for disability benefits.
In order to qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, a claimant must be unable to work/take part in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) because of their disability, and they must be able to prove their disability limits and affects their daily life.
Neurological Disability Examples
The SSA references the Blue Book, which categorizes disabilities and their resulting symptoms. Each category includes various conditions affecting particular body systems. Section 11.00 is dedicated to qualifying neurological conditions which can and may cause physical and/or mental disabilities, including the following:
- Epilepsy
- Spinal Cord Disorders
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Coma or Persistent Vegetative State (PVS)
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
- Vascular Insult to The Brain
- Benign Brain Tumors
- Post-Polio Syndrome
- Parkinsonian Syndrome
- Cerebral Palsy
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Neurodegenerative Disorders of The Central Nervous System (i.e. Huntington’s disease, Friedreich’s Ataxia, and Spinocerebellar Degeneration)
- Motor Neuron Disorders other than ALS
Applying for SSDI with Qualifying Neurological Disorders
If someone is suffering from a neurological condition that makes it difficult or impossible for them to earn a living wage and take part in Substantial Gainful Activity, they will qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
To apply for disability benefits, a claimant must provide substantial medical and non-medical proof to the SSA that they have a disability. It must be evident that their disability prevents them from working, and the evidence and documentation must also prove that the condition has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year (12 months) or more.
The SSA will accept evidence such as documented symptoms, laboratory test results, a thorough medical history, examination and imaging results, responses to any prescribed treatments, etc., all to assess the severity of the claimant’s neurological disorder. Non-medical evidence can include statements from others that support the claim, listed restrictions on daily activities, etc.
The Social Security Administration will not purchase complex imaging, diagnostic testing, tests that are invasive or may involve significant risk, or laboratory testing. The SSA will also not typically purchase expensive tests, or tests that are not readily available.
Why Hire an SSDI Attorney in Orange, CA
Gathering necessary supporting evidence can be tedious and complicated if you are unfamiliar with filing a Social Security Disability claim. Most initial claims are denied, and improper filing is common. However, when you work with a qualified SSDI attorney from Ortega Disability Group, you can rest assured that all the filing will be handled promptly and correctly. When you trust our legal team to help you file, you are also far more likely to have your claim approved by the SSA.
Contact Us at Ortega Disability Group
If you need to file a disability claim under the Neurological Disorders category with the Social Security Administration, contact us at Ortega Disability Group today for a free initial consultation. We know what steps to take to give you the best chance at being approved for benefits.
Additionally, if your initial claim was denied and you need to file an appeal, reach out to us and one of our Social Security Disability attorneys will help determine what led to your denial and assist in filing the appeal.
