Neurological Conditions and Social Security Disability Benefits
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Disability Benefits for Neurological Disorders Affecting Vision, Hearing, and Speech
How Neurological Conditions Impact Work
Neurological disorders often affect multiple senses and communication abilities. Conditions such as ALS, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and brain injuries can impair vision, hearing, and speech, making it impossible to sustain employment. These impairments may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) under the SSA’s Blue Book listings for Special Senses and Speech Disorders and related neurological conditions sections.
At MLF Legal, our social security disability attorneys help people nationwide secure the benefits they deserve.
Call us today at 214-357-1782 for a free consultation.
Common Neurological Conditions That May Qualify
SSA Evaluation Criteria
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Progressive loss of muscle control affecting speech and swallowing.
Parkinson’s Disease: Tremors and rigidity that impair speech clarity and visual focus.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Demyelination causing vision loss, hearing issues, and speech difficulties.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Cognitive and sensory impairments impacting communication and perception.
Stroke: Aphasia, vision field loss, or auditory processing deficits.
The SSA evaluates neurological conditions based on medical evidence and functional limitations:
Neurological exams documenting motor and sensory deficits.
Speech-language pathology reports for communication impairments.
Ophthalmology and audiology records for vision and hearing loss.
Functional assessments showing inability to perform work tasks.
Even if your condition does not meet the exact blue book listing, you may still qualify if your impairments prevent substantial gainful activity.
The Sequential Evaluation Process
The SSA uses a five-step sequential evaluation process to decide disability claims:
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): Are you currently working and earning above the SGA threshold?
Severity of Impairment: Is your neurological condition severe enough to significantly limit basic work activities?
Meeting or Equaling a Listing: Does your condition meet or medically equal the SSA’s Blue Book listing?
Past Relevant Work: Based on your RFC, can you still perform the work you’ve done in the past?
Other Work: If you cannot perform past work, can you adjust to other jobs given your age, education, and RFC?
For many claimants with neurological conditions, steps 4 and 5 are decisive. Even if the listing is not met, the SSA may find that your limitations prevent you from sustaining competitive employment.
Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)
If your neurological condition does not meet the SSA’s listing, the agency will evaluate your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). RFC measures what you can still do despite your limitations. For neurological impairments, this may include:
Ability to communicate effectively despite speech difficulties
Capacity to perform tasks despite vision or hearing loss
Limitations on mobility, coordination, or cognitive function
Need for accommodations such as assistive technology or modified work environments
RFC is critical because it determines whether you can perform past relevant work or adjust to other work in the national economy.
Strengthening Your Claim
To build a strong case for neurological conditions and social security disability:
Provide neurology records and diagnostic imaging.
Document daily limitations (difficulty speaking, seeing, hearing, or performing tasks).
Include supporting statements from doctors, therapists, and family.
Work with a social security disability attorney to ensure your claim is properly presented.
Why Choose MLF Legal
At MLF Legal, we understand the challenges of living with neurological impairments. Our team combines legal expertise with compassionate advocacy to help you secure social security disability benefits.
Call 214-357-1782 today to schedule your consultation.
FAQs About Neurological Conditions and Social Security Disability
What neurological conditions qualify for disability benefits?
ALS, Parkinson’s disease, MS, stroke, and traumatic brain injury may qualify.
Do neurological conditions need to meet SSA listings to qualify?
No. Even if the listing is not met, RFC analysis may show inability to work.
What medical evidence is required?
Neurology records, imaging, speech-language pathology reports, and documentation of functional limitations.
How does the SSA decide disability claims for neurological impairments?
Through the five-step sequential evaluation process, including RFC analysis.
How can MLF Legal help with my claim?
We ensure your case is properly documented and presented to maximize your chance of approval.
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