Our Skillful Louisiana Social Security Disability Lawyer Helps Clients With TBIs Navigate the SSDI Process to Secure Much-Needed Benefits
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are catastrophic injuries that can dramatically impact all aspects of life, including the ability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury and can no longer work, you might qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). A federal program managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA), SSDI provides monthly financial support for individuals with severe impairments that prevent employment. TBIs are a qualifying condition.
However, the SSDI application process can be complicated, making it difficult to receive the benefits you deserve. At Phillip M. Hendry Law, our experienced Louisiana Social Security disability lawyer guides clients through the complex application and evaluation processes, providing skilled counsel and compassionate support for your SSDI journey.
Millions of people in the United States live with traumatic brain injury-related disabilities. Moderate to severe TBIs can cause vast changes in cognition, motor skills, vision, hearing, emotion, personality, and behavior that make it difficult—if not impossible—to maintain substantial gainful activity (SGA). Here’s what you should know about applying for SSDI for a traumatic brain injury and how working with our adept Social Security disability lawyer could help reduce your stress and maximize your chances for swift and efficient approval.
Exploring Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries and Impairments
TBIs can be caused by penetrating head injuries or substantial bumps, blows, or jolts to the head, resulting in open or closed wounds that can be categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. Mild traumatic brain injuries, or concussions, are most common, accounting for roughly 80 percent of all TBIs. However, the severity of the initial head injury doesn’t necessarily reflect the severity of the resulting impairments, which can include:
- Cognition and comprehension difficulties
- Communication and learning issues
- Concentration and memory problems
- Extremity weakness
- Balance and coordination issues
- Hearing and vision problems
- Sensory changes
- Sadness or nervousness
- Anxiety and depression
- Anger or aggression
- Behavior control issues
- Impulsivity
- Personality changes
Meeting the Blue Book Listing for TBI
The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates traumatic brain injury claims in Section 11.18 of its Blue Book, a medical guide that lists qualifying conditions and the specific criteria for approval. You could be approved for SSDI benefits if your TBI causes either of the following:
- Disorganized motor function in two extremities severely limiting your ability to rise from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, or use your upper extremities that continues for at least three consecutive months after your injury; OR
- Marked limitation in physical functioning and one of the following areas of mental functioning that persists for at least three consecutive months after your injury: understanding, remembering, or applying information; interacting with others; concentrating, persisting, and maintaining pace; or adapting and managing oneself.
Equaling the Listing for a Traumatic Brain Injury
Even if you don’t precisely match the Blue Book criteria for a TBI, that doesn’t mean you won’t qualify for benefits. Alternatively, You could gain approval by “equaling” a listing, showing that your TBI impairments are as disabling as those in Blue Book Section 11.18. However, medical evidence is crucial whether you’re meeting or equaling a listing.
How Our Experienced Louisiana SSDI Lawyer Could Help You Maximize Your Chances of Approval
The SSDI application process can be challenging, even when you have a qualifying condition such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Most applications are denied in the initial phase of the SSA’s five-step sequential evaluation process, often due to errors in the application paperwork or insufficient medical evidence from acceptable medical sources (AMS). Fortunately, Phillip M. Hendry Law can help you every step of the way. We can help you:
- Verify your eligibility
- Gather vital medical evidence
- Complete and review the application
- Handle communications with the SSA
- Advocate for you at every turn.
Don’t brave the SSDI application process alone. Discover how our skilled team could assist you.