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Applying for disability with Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by severe drowsiness and fatigue. Some people with narcolepsy also experience the sudden loss of muscle strength, known as cataplexy. There is no cure for narcolepsy, but treatment – such as stimulant medications, frequents naps, and other forms of behavioral therapy – can help. Narcolepsy type 1  is a rarer, more severe form of narcolepsy that includes cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness) and is linked to low levels of a brain hormone called hypocretin. People with  narcolepsy type 2  don't experience cataplexy and usually exhibit normal levels of hypocretin. Prevailing on your narcolepsy disability claim requires medical evidence to support the diagnosis. Medical evidence may include one or more of the following:      -Sleep study results      -Genetic testing      -EEGs      -MRIs or other brain imaging      -Results of muscle testing (if your narcoleps...
Chiari Malformation is a condition where brain tissue extends into the spinal canal. There are three types of Chiari malformation, depending on the amount and location of the brain tissue that is present in the spinal canal and whether there are other abnormalities of the brain or spinal cord. Chiari Malformation symptoms in adults are usually not present until sudden coughing, sneezing or straining occurs. Neck pain, unsteady walking, poor fine motor skills in the hands, numbness in the hands or feet, numbness, dizziness, difficulty swallowing, vision or speech problems are among some of the more common symptoms. There are four types of Chiari Malformation. Type 1, also known as the adult form, is the most common. It is developed as the brain and skull are growing and may not be diagnosed until the patient is an older child or even into adulthood. Type 2, also known as the pediatric form, is present at birth.  Types III and IV are not as common and are very severe. Type III is whe...

Keys to a Successful SSDI or SSI Claim

At Allan W. Ben P.C. we know that successful SSDI or SSI claims are won or lost in the details. It is not the job of the claims handler to guess at your qualifications for any particular benefit. In order to ensure your claim is successful, you must provide evidence that compels the claims handler to approve you for receiving SSDI or SSI. As your lawyer I will make sure that your evidence is gathered and documented. Gather Medical Support For Your Social Security Disability Claim There are two main elements to medical support, which involves securing all the necessary documentation you will need and having the support of your physicians and therapists. It is important to keep accurate and dated records of all treatments, scans, doctor and hospital visits, and receipts for any over-the-counter treatments you purchase. You will also need medical or therapeutic practitioners on whom you can rely to supply supporting letters for your disability benefits claim. This is another area where ha...

interesting article on Administrative Law Judges

  Trump Administration Action Against Social Security Judges Threatens Fair Access to Benefits | Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

Hereditary spastic paraplegias

Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) are a heterogeneous group of genetic disorders with spastic paraparesis as the main clinical feature. Complex forms may co-occur with other motor, sensory, and cognitive impairment.  Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), also called familial spastic paraparesis (FSP), refers to a group of inherited disorders that are characterized by progressive weakness and spasticity (stiffness) of the legs. Early in the disease course, there may be mild gait difficulties and stiffness. These symptoms typically slowly progress so that eventually individuals with HSP may require the assistance of a cane, walker, or wheelchair. Though the primary features of "pure" HSP are progressive lower limb spasticity and weakness, complicated forms may be accompanied by other symptoms. These additional symptoms include impaired vision due to cataracts and problems with the optic nerve and retina of the eye, ataxia (lack of muscle coordination), epilepsy, cognitive im...

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a painfule and serious skin disease that tragically is often misdiagnosed. Because HS usually begins as pimple-like bumps on the skin, many victims (and doctors, too) think their condition is acne, ingrown hair, or boils. As the disease worsens, the pimple-like bumps most commonly erupt in the underarm or groin areas—places that everyday pimples typically do not appear—and grow deep into the skin becoming very painful. To make matters worse, they often rupture, leaking bloodstained pus. There is no cure for Hidradenitis Suppurativa, but some who have the disease can experience long periods of remission. For others, however, their life may be characterized by constant pain and ever-worsening symptoms. If your HS prevents you from working, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes Hidradenitis Suppurativa as a disease that can be potentially disabling. In determining your eligibility f...

Applying for Social Security Disability for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is not just one disorder, but a whole group of impairments currently classified into 13 subtypes. What the subtypes have in common is that they are connective tissue disorders which are often inherited. Generally, EDS is characterized by fragile tissue, and joints and skin that can be stretched further than normal. Ehlers-Danlos syndromes affect both men and women of all ages and all ethnic backgrounds. While there is no cure for EDS, there is treatment for its symptoms, and there are preventative measures that bring relief to some who are affected by the disease. For others, however, their EDS causes joint pain, back pain, heart problems, loss of vision, or other issues which don’t respond to treatment and are so severe that they affect their everyday life and prevent them from working. If you have EDS and are unable to work because of severe symptoms from it, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Inco...