Social Security Disability Benefits: Common Qualifying Neurological Conditions

A neurological condition is a structural, biochemical, or electrical disorder in the brain, spinal cord, or other nerves. The condition diminishes muscle control, coordination, or sensation. If a neurological condition is preventing you from working for a living, you may qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.

If you are having trouble obtaining the SSD benefits you deserve, a social security disability lawyer from Hardison & Cochran can review your case for free right away. Contact us without delay. We serve clients throughout North Carolina.

Common Neurological Disorders

Nervous system problems can hinder your ability to move, speak, swallow, breathe and learn. They can also impact your memory, senses, and mood. Some neurological conditions are degenerative and terminal. This means that they get worse over time and lead to death.

Neurological conditions or groups of conditions that may qualify you for SSD benefits include:

  • Epilepsy – The type, frequency, and duration of epileptic seizures are considered in determining a victim’s disability.
  • Strokes – A stroke can damage mobility, motor control, and the ability to speak.
  • Brain tumors – These tumors can cause a wide range of symptoms, including headaches, seizures, speech difficulty, lost coordination, memory problems, and personality changes.
  • Parkinson’s disease – This condition damages one’s muscle control and may cause tremors.
  • Cerebral palsy – This is a birth defect that affects muscle function, tone, and strength. In severe cases, cerebral palsy can result in low IQ or emotional impairment.
  • Lesions of the spinal cord or nerve roots – This damage to the nervous system causes mobility and dexterity problems of varying degrees.
  • Multiple sclerosis – This is an autoimmune disease that affects one’s balance and coordination, muscle strength, vision, thought, and memory capabilities.
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease) – This is a degenerative disease that robs one of the muscle functions. Patients lose their ability to move bit by bit until the muscles that control breathing and other involuntary muscle functions fail.
  • Myasthenia gravis – This autoimmune disease causes rapid muscle fatigue and weakness marked by double vision and difficulty breathing, chewing, and swallowing.
  • Muscular dystrophy – This is a group of genetic diseases in which the muscles that control movement progressively weaken.

Can You Qualify for SSD Benefits with a Neurological Condition?neurological disorders

To obtain SSD benefits for a neurological disorder, you will need to demonstrate that your condition has caused you to be medically disabled and unable to hold a job.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the guidelines set forth in the “Blue Book” to help determine whether your disability is severe enough to qualify you for SSD benefits. The book provides specific criteria for 16 neurological conditions.

Your medical records would describe the symptoms of your neurological disorder and the disabilities you suffer from related to it. The SSA could still require you to undergo an additional medical exam to establish your abilities and disabilities.

Are There Other Ways to Qualify for SSD Benefits with a Neurological Condition?

Serious damage to the nervous system – brain, spinal cord, and nerves – can impact one’s ability to function. Many neurological conditions are not fully understood. The Blue Book specifically refers to “other degenerative diseases” not listed in the guide as qualifying for SSD benefits.

The SSA may not specifically recognize your neurological condition. If so, you would need to present medical evidence showing that your condition is medically equivalent in severity to listed neurological disabilities or impairment. You would also need to demonstrate that the condition prevents you from being able to hold a job.

Our North Carolina Lawyers Help Individuals Seek SSD Benefits for Neurological Conditions

At Hardison & Cochran, we have extensive experience with the Social Security Disability system and the state-run Disability Determination Services (DDS) in North Carolina. We can organize your claim for disability benefits or represent you in an appeal if your initial claim was denied.

We will seek the benefits you deserve as soon as possible. Simply contact us today to get started with a free case review.

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