Applying for Parkinson’s Disability Benefits Under Neurological SSDI

Neurological conditions can be challenging, but SSDI benefits could help you cover critical care costs. Our skilled and compassionate SSDI lawyer discusses key aspects of applying for neurological SSDI for Parkinson’s disease to help you get started. If you’re seeking Parkinson’s disability benefits, our caring legal team is ready to help. Phillip M. Hendry Law has extensive experience helping clients with SSDI applications. He’ll help you with every step of the neurological SSDI application process and help you increase your chances of approval.

Parkinson’s Disease Basics

Parkinson’s disease is an impairment of the nervous system that worsens over time. Its causes are often unknown, and there is no cure, though certain treatments and sometimes surgery may help control the disease and reduce its symptoms. Parkinson’s is a movement disorder that affects muscle control, balance, and general physical ability. It can also impact many bodily functions, including spoken and written communication, eating, and cognitive ability.

Symptoms and How Parkinson’s Can Impact Your Life

People may apply for Parkinson’s disability benefits because of the extreme challenges the disorder places on daily functioning. The symptoms of the disease usually start gradually and worsen over time, generally including both motor and non-motor challenges such as:

Tremors in the extremities, head, or jaw
Muscle stiffness
Slow movements or difficulty moving
Problems with balance and coordination (may include falls)
Problems swallowing, chewing, or speaking
Gastrointestinal or urinary problems
Skin issues
Worsening posture
Difficulty with facial expressions
Eye and vision changes
Functional use of hands (including the ability to write)
Voice changes
Lost sense of smell
Blood pressure changes, such as low pressure when rising from a sitting position
Sexual dysfunction
Sleep problems
Memory problems
Emotional and behavioral changes
Depression
Applying for Parkinson’s Disability Benefits

During the SSDI application process, you must meet basic SSA eligibility criteria before getting into the specific qualifications for neurological SSDI conditions like Parkinson’s. Philip M. Hendry Law can walk you through every step of the application to fight for your benefits.

Basic Neurological SSDI Eligibility

To meet basic SSDI qualifications, you must:

Have enough work credits for your age
Have a severe neurological condition that meets (or equals) the SSA Blue Book listing
Be diagnosed with a condition that is expected to last 12 months or longer or end in death
Have an impairment that prevents you from participating in substantial gainful activity (SGA) (either work you did previously or other types of work)
Earn less than $1,550 per month

Qualifying for Parkinson’s Disability Benefits

Section 11.00 of the Social Security Administration Blue Book covers Neurological Disorders. Within this listing, section 11.06 covers Parkinsonian Syndrome, which includes various conditions like Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is considered one of the most common Parkinsonian Syndrome disorders. This section has two qualifying parts:

Part A. Disorganization in motor functions of two extremities that results in extreme limitation (lack of ability to stand up from a seated position, no balance when walking or standing, or lack of use of the upper extremities), OR
Part B. Both marked limitations in physical function and with one of the following:
1. Understanding, remembering, or applying information
2. Interaction with other people
3. Concentrating, maintaining, or persisting pace
4. Adapting or managing oneself

What You’ll Need to Qualify for Neurological SSDI With Parkinson’s

To prove you qualify for the Blue Book listing under Parkinsonian Syndrome, you must have adequate evidence, including documentation from acceptable medical sources (AMS). Evidence may include:

Medical records
Test results (including labs and imaging)
Pharmacy and treatment records
Reports or detailed notes from doctors
A residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment by your doctor
Personal statement
Witness statements on the severity of the limitations Parkinson’s disease causes in your daily life

How Phillip M. Hendry Law Can Help With Your Application for Parkinson’s Disability Benefits

A qualified SSDI lawyer can ensure you have all the required documentation and evidence to submit your application for Parkinson’s disability benefits. Phillip M. Hendry Law will also ensure your application is error-free.

Should your initial application be denied, which is very common, we can help you navigate the appeal process so you have a higher chance of approval. Our experienced legal team will handle the appeal, advocate for you, and collect the evidence needed for a hearing. We’ll help you walk through all the details to fight for the neurological SSDI benefits you need.

Do You Want to Speak to a Skilled Louisiana SSDI Attorney?

At Phillip M. Hendry Law, we understand how Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims are evaluated under the Blue Book criteria. Our firm will work with you through every step of the application and appeal process to draft a persuasive argument for why you should be awarded SSDI benefits.

Complete our online contact form or call (318) 553-5900 to schedule a consultation with our experienced Social Security disability attorney. We serve clients across Louisiana, East Texas, and Southwest Arkansas. For your convenience, we offer video conferencing options that let you seek assistance from the comfort of your own home.

Why Come to Us?

Experience. Our firm has handled a wide range of Social Security disability and workers' compensation claims. We can help you avoid common mistakes that may lead to a denial of benefits and advocate for your interests throughout the process.

Constant contact. Customer service is one of our top priorities. We strive to return all calls and emails within 24 hours. We make ourselves available to answer questions and meet with clients as needed.

A clear path. Our staff knows how complicated and frustrating it can be to fight for Social Security disability or workers' compensation benefits. We take as much as we can off your plate, including assistance with the timely completion of forms and communicating with the Social Security Administration or the workers' compensation insurer on your behalf.

Read Our Client Testimonials

Words can not explain the professionalism and compassion Mr. Hendry displayed on my case. I would recommend him one thousand times over. He went above and beyond any expectations I had for him. Cory H.

Mr. Phillip Hendry was much help. I recommend him highly. He always called me back if I didn’t catch him, any questions I had he was there for me. When you’re disabled, can’t work, I didn’t think twice. Now I have my SSDI. My family and I thank him so much. Roger J.

I highly recommend Mr. Phillip Hendry to anyone needing legal representation! When my husband first applied for social security disability, we made the mistake of not hiring an attorney upfront. My advice to anyone applying for disability, spare yourself a lot of stress and hire an attorney FIRST; take it from me, you will need one. After initially applying for benefits, we stumbled through a year and a half of rejections and run-around. We hired Mr. Hendry on April 26, 2018, and was approved less than 3 months later! He is very compassionate, hard-working, and knows how to get the job done! Thank you Mr. Hendry! Wanda P.