Applying for disability with Epilepsy

Epilepsy can affect people of all ages. It is characterized by unpredictable seizures and can cause other health problems. Epilepsy is a spectrum condition with symptoms and seizure types that vary widely from person-to-person.

The Social Security Administration evaluates epilepsy according to the type, frequency, duration, and nature of the seizures. Because epileptic seizures can often be controlled with anticonvulsant medications, you will need to prove that despite taking your medication as prescribed for at least three months, you are still unable to work due to your disease.

If you are applying for benefits due to epilepsy the SSA will want to see:

-a diagnosis of epilepsy

-a treatment history, including medications and other treatments and how they have affected your seizures

-a statement from your doctor backing up your descriptions of the nature and frequency of your seizures

-EEG results

-a record detailing the frequency of your past seizures

-a comprehensive description of your typical seizure, including all pre- and post-seizure symptoms, and

-an account of your seizures from a third-party witness

The criteria you need to meet to qualify under listing 11.02 will depend on the type and frequency of your seizures:

A. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures (see 11.00H1A), occurring at least once a month for at least 3 consecutive months (see 11.00H4) despite adherence to prescribed treatment (see 11.00C).

OR

B. Dyscognitive seizures (see 11.00H1B), occurring at least once a week for at least 3 consecutive months (see 11.00H4) despite adherence to prescribed treatment (see 11.00C).

OR

C. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures (see 11.00H1A), occurring at least once every 2 months for at least 4 consecutive months (see 11.00H4) despite adherence to prescribed treatment (see 11.00C); and a marked limitation in one of the following:

1.Physical functioning (see 11.00G3A); or

2.Understanding, remembering, or applying information (see 11.00G3B(I)); or

3. Interacting with others (see 11.00G3B(II)); or

4. Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace (see 11.00G3B(III)); or

5. Adapting or managing oneself (see 11.00G3B(IV)).

Applying for disability benefits can be a confusing and challenging process. Conditions such as narcolepsy often need special consideration because their disabling symptoms aren't always apparent. Consider getting help from an experienced disability attorney. I have over 26 years experience with Social Security Disability cases all over the US. Contact me to help you win your case. My email is joshben99@gmail.com

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sample questions you may be asked at your social security hearing

  Every case is different; no list will contain EVERY question an administrative law judge might ask, and the questions may not be asked in exactly this way, or in this order, but this information should help prevent you from feeling like questions are coming at you from “left field.” Going over this list will also spur you to think about things you might not have previously considered (such as how long you can sit, stand, walk or concentrate). You will NOT be asked every single question on this list and it is NOT useful to try to memorize answers to the questions. Just read over the list in the days before your hearing. Of course, this list should NOT be construed as legal advice pertaining to your case, and by providing it, I am not acting as your lawyer. My intention is just to provide some really helpful, general information. I. INTRODUCTORY INFORMATION Name – address – date of birth Marital Status and maiden name Former spouse information Do you live in a house, apar...
Read more

Frequency of Medical Treatment

The frequency of your medical treatment is an important factor in your Social Security disability claim. A diagnosis is a first step, but a judge must evaluate your functional limitations due to your medical condition. And when evaluating the seriousness of your functional limitations, regular doctor visits are helpful. Looking at the cases of mine that were not granted in the past year or so, the lack of medical treatment played a role in almost every one. There a lots of reasons not to go to the doctor. There are co-pays. Sometimes there is little the doctor can do for you. Perhaps you do not want to complain to the doctor about your daily struggles. But without regular doctor visits, you may have an uphill battle for disability benefits. Also, the more the doctor sees you and is familiar with your condition, the more likely that the doctor will provide an opinion regarding your functional limitations. Those opinions are often the most persuasive medical evidence available to a perso...
Read more

Covid Long Haul and Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability is a federal program to assist individuals who suffer from long-term disabilities that will keep them from working for 12 months or longer. This program is funded through payroll taxes that everyone sees on their pay stubs.  Applying for SSDI as a COVID long-hauler is a bit of a complex topic at this point. Due to the associated symptoms of long COVID, it is reasonable to connect having the disease and qualifying for disability benefits. However, every case is individually considered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) before approval, and there are plenty of cases that are later approved after being initially denied.  Long COVID, or long-haul COVID, is a term to describe a syndrome where symptoms continue months after a coronavirus infection. Researchers think that 10% to 30% of patients who had COVID infections might suffer from long COVID, or "post-COVID syndrome," whether their initial illness was serious or not. Some researchers define ...
Read more