The Impact Of A Stroke And Social Security Disability
The devastating effect a stroke has on one's life can mean a total disruption in personal relationships, enjoyment of life, careers, and more. In some cases, stroke victims can receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. This process can be fraught with long delays, and the Social Security Administration's (SSA) rules can be stringent. Read on to learn more about strokes and SSDI.
When a Stroke Affects Your Work
It's easy to see how a stroke can impact every area of your life, including your work life. The impairments caused by a stroke may make it impossible to work at your job, but the way strokes damage your brain can vary tremendously. Commonly, the immediate aftermath of a stroke can include difficulties with speech, motor movements like walking and grasping (particularly on one side), and much more.
Fortunately, some of the ways that a stroke can impact a person will lessen in time. The potential for having permanent impairments can vary depending on the part of the brain impacted by the stroke and too many other variables to list. In fact, medical professionals may be challenged to predict the final outcome of a stroke on a patient. Much of the ramifications of having a stroke won't be known for some time. Human brains have a marvelous capacity for healing from traumas like strokes.
Understanding How the SSA Views Strokes
Strokes are covered by SSA benefits according to section 11.04 in the so-called blue book that lists all impairments eligible for consideration. The SSA treats strokes with a "wait and see" attitude due to the range of potential outcomes that might occur as a result of the stoke. For example, you might fully recover from a stroke in about six months and be able to return to work. Since SSDI is meant to cover medical conditions that will make you unable to work for at least a year, you would not be eligible for coverage for something that lasts only six months.
Getting Approved for Social Security Disability for a Stroke
If the way the stroke affects you is severe and long-lasting enough, you may qualify for SSDI benefits. You will need to work closely with your neurologist to prove your disability to the SSA. Medical records, diagnostic tests, doctor's notes, and more should be prepared, organized in chronological order, and sent to the SSA alongside your application.
When a stroke makes you unable to perform the duties of your job, you might expect a quick approval. Unfortunately, even those who truly deserve benefits can be disappointed by a denial. Your best chance to have the denial overturned is to attend the appeal hearing with a Social Security attorney, like those at Parmele Law Firm, PC, at your side. Speak to an attorney about your case, and get the benefits you need.
