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Epilepsy is a debilitating illness. It can render a person unable to work or even properly care for themselves or their dependents. While some people are born with epilepsy, others may develop it after an accident or illness.
If epilepsy has robbed you of your ability to work and care for yourself, you may be entitled to SSD benefits. A qualified lawyer can help you file a Social Security Disability claim. We can get the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
What Is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a disorder that causes electrical signals in the brain to misfire. Nerve cells in the brain continually communicate with one another through synapses. The cells in people who have epilepsy no longer signal properly. This causes bursts of electrical activity in the brain.
These bursts lead to seizures. Seizures can cause a person to experience involuntary movement and loss of consciousness. They can also experience changes in emotions and behavior.
Epilepsy is a chronic illness. Many people can manage epilepsy with medication. About 70% of epileptics can live seizure-free with medical intervention. There is no cure for epilepsy. Only about 30% of people living with this disease have medication-resistant epilepsy.
Can You Get Social Security Disability for Epilepsy?
If your epilepsy stops you from working and is long-term, you could collect SSD benefits. Before you can qualify, you’ll need to have medical documentation of your condition. The record should show that you have had symptoms for at least a year. Or if a doctor believes your condition is likely to last longer, you may still be able to receive benefits.
You can apply for Social Security Disability benefits by filling out the application. It is helpful to hire an attorney who has experience with SSD applications. This gives your claim a better chance of being approved.
The SSA’s Disability Criteria for Epilepsy Claims
The SSA has criteria that must be met for illnesses to be covered by SSD. To file an epilepsy claim, you must meet the following criteria:
- Your tonic-clonic epileptic seizures happened at least once a month for three months.
- You have tonic-clonic seizures at least once every two months for at least four months. You are on a treatment plan. You have limited physical function and limitations in your cognitive performance. You have an inability to concentrate or maintain pace. You have trouble interacting with others and taking care of yourself.
- Your dyscognitive seizures occur at least once a week for at least three months. You are on a treatment plan. You have trouble with physical function or cognitive ability. You have difficulty interacting with others, keeping pace, and caring for yourself.
How Epilepsy Can Impact Your Ability to Work
Having epilepsy can present challenges for a person at work, if they can work. Challenges of working with epilepsy can include, but are not limited to:
- Safety. A person who has seizures presents a safety risk. They could fall or otherwise become injured on the job.
- Whether or not the person can drive. Being able to drive may be an essential duty for certain jobs. If a person has epilepsy, they may be unable to drive and continue in their position.
- Developmental issues. Epilepsy may cause developmental issues that prevent you from getting a job.
Hospital stays and doctor appointments can make it impossible for a person to hold down a steady job. So too can side effects from medications.
Medical Evidence You Need for an Epilepsy Claim
Before you file an epilepsy claim, you’ll need to collect evidence of your diagnosis. You have to show how your illness affects your life. Social Security claims for epilepsy should include:
- All diagnostic records and imaging related to your diagnosis, hospital stays, and treatments.
- A description of the types of seizures you have. This includes frequency, duration, and post-seizure side effects.
- Your full treatment log and medical records.
- A seizure diary log.
- Statements from your doctors regarding the severity of your illness and your disabilities.
It’s easy to miss paperwork when filling a claim. It can be overwhelming to file a claim when you are ill. Having a qualified attorney can help alleviate this burden.
Why You Need a Disability Lawyer for an Epilepsy Claim
People attempting to make an epilepsy claim may face challenges when filing. Often, it can be hard to collect the evidence you need to prove your epilepsy renders you unable to work. Experienced disability attorneys can help advocate for your rights. We help you collect the evidence you need. We’ll ensure you file your claim properly and on time and will help you with an appeal if your claim is denied.
Common Reasons SSD Claims for Epilepsy Are Denied
Claims can be denied because they do not have the documentation to support them. Other times, a claim may be denied for clerical errors. To avoid issues with claims, it can be beneficial to hire an experienced attorney. We can handle claims for you so you can avoid these headaches.
An attorney can also handle all communications for you between you and the SSA. This further alleviates your stress levels and gives you space to treat your illness.
Talk to an SSD Lawyer for Help with Your Epilepsy Claim
If you have epilepsy and can’t work, contact Pond Lehocky Disability. Our compassionate attorneys can help you no matter where you are in the claims process. We’ll help you file a claim to appeal a denial and help you understand your benefits.
