Getting Started With the SSDI Application for Neurological Disorders: Tips From a Louisiana SSDI Lawyer
If you’re living with a neurological condition, the impact can be challenging or even debilitating. When you’re ready to apply for Social Security disability insurance, however, you don’t have to handle the process alone. Our skilled SSDI lawyer helps clients in Louisiana and surrounding areas navigate the SSDI application with compassion and support. Contact Phillip M. Hendry Law today to learn how we can guide you through the process and help you seek the benefits you deserve.
Understanding Basic SSDI Eligibility
At Phillip M. Hendry Law, we understand that the SSDI application process isn’t easy. We’ll guide you at every turn to ensure it’s clear, starting with the eligibility requirements. To be eligible to apply, you must:
- Have a medical condition that meets the SSA’s definition of disability
- Have a condition that prevents you from working for a year or more or that is expected to result in death
- Have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and earned enough work credits for your age to qualify
- Have an earnings average as of 2024 that is no more than $1550 per month
Some special circumstances impact standard eligibility, such as people with blindness or low vision.
Types of Neurological Conditions That Qualify for SSDI
In order to qualify for SSDI, neurological conditions must be listed in the Social Security Administration Blue Book. There are hundreds of different neurological conditions, and many could qualify. Conditions that qualify include:
- Seizures
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Cerebral palsy
- Fibromyalgia
- Myasthenia gravis
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Neurological conditions related to spinal disorders
Other disorders may be eligible. If a comparable condition can be proven to “equal” a listing, you may still be eligible for SSDI benefits. If your impairment is determined ineligible for SSDI, you may still qualify for Supplementary Security Income (SSI) if other conditions (such as lack of income and resources) are met.
This is where working with a skilled Louisiana SSDI lawyer at Phillip M. Hendry Law can help. We can evaluate all the aspects of your neurological impairment to seek any benefits for which you may be eligible.
How Your Condition Can Affect Your Daily Life and Ability to Work
Neurological impairments can significantly impact a person’s daily life and ability to work. For some, even daily self-care tasks are difficult.
Cognitive and Physical Impact of Neurological Conditions
These conditions involve the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Since the brain is related to all other body systems, it can have a massive range of symptoms. It can impact voluntary and involuntary movements, circulation, digestion, and more.
In addition to causing physical pain, these impairments can cause cognitive issues such as confusion, emotional and behavioral issues, mood changes, and problems with coordination.
Impact on Ability to Perform Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
These symptoms don’t only vary in scope; they can also vary in intensity. The unpredictability and challenging nature of these symptoms can prevent you from participating in what the SSA calls Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). Phillip M. Hendry Law can help you walk through the requirements to document how your condition impacts your ability to perform SGA.
Why It’s Critical to Document Your Neurological Condition
The SSDI application requires extensive documentation and evidence surrounding neurological conditions to determine disability eligibility. Detailed notes surrounding diagnosis, testing, and treatment are crucial. It’s important to note that the documentation supporting your disability must be from Approved Medical Sources (AMS) such as your neurologist, other licensed physicians, or certain medical specialists.
Your functional capacity is often established through a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment. This helps prove your inability to work and demonstrate how severely your neurological condition impacts your daily life.
How Phillip M. Hendry Law Can Help With Your SSDI Application for a Neurological Disorder
Having someone on your side who cares about you and knows about the process can make all the difference when it comes to filing your application. Not only do applications filed with legal counsel have an increased chance of approval, but you’ll have less stress and more peace of mind. Our skilled Louisiana SSDI lawyer has decades of experience and can lead you through eligibility requirements, required documentation, completing the application, and avoiding mistakes that could lead to a denial. Contact us today to learn more about getting the benefits you deserve.