Speech Disorders and Social Security Disability Benefits
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Disability Benefits for Speech Impairments
How Speech Disorders Impact Work
Speech is essential for communication in nearly every workplace. When speech impairments prevent you from being understood or from sustaining communication, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The SSA recognizes severe speech disorders and social security disability under Section 2.00 of the Blue Book: Special Senses and Speech Disorders.
At MLF Legal, our social security disability attorneys help people secure the benefits they deserve when they are in need. Call us today at 214-357-1782 for a free consultation.
Dallas based – Nationwide representation
Common Speech Conditions That May Qualify
Aphasia: Loss of language ability following stroke or brain injury.
Dysarthria: Slurred or slow speech caused by neurological conditions.
Stuttering: Severe cases that prevent effective communication.
Laryngeal Cancer or Vocal Cord Paralysis: Physical damage to speech organs.
Neurological Disorders: ALS, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis affecting speech production.
SSA Evaluation Criteria
The SSA evaluates speech disorders based on medical evidence showing inability to produce speech that can be heard, understood, or sustained. Evidence may include:
Speech-language pathology evaluations
Neurological records documenting underlying conditions
Functional assessments showing inability to communicate effectively in work settings
Even if your condition does not meet the exact listing, you may still qualify if your speech disorder prevents you from performing 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 speech disorder 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 for speech impairments?
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 speech impairments, 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.
Strengthening Your Claim
To build a strong disability case:
Provide speech-language pathology records and evaluations.
Document daily limitations (difficulty communicating, inability to sustain speech, reliance on assistive devices).
Include supporting statements from doctors, therapists, and family.
Work with an attorney to ensure your claim is properly presented.
Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)
If your speech disorder 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 speech impairments, this may include:
Ability to communicate with assistive devices or alternative methods
Capacity to sustain communication in structured settings
Limitations on jobs requiring verbal communication, presentations, or customer interaction
Need for accommodations such as text-to-speech technology
RFC is critical because it determines whether you can perform past relevant work or adjust to other work in the national economy.
Why Choose MLF Legal
At MLF Legal, we understand the challenges of living with speech impairments. Our team combines legal expertise with compassionate advocacy to help you secure the benefits you need. Call 214-357-1782 today to schedule your consultation.
MLF Legal has offices in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. Our social security disability lawyers provide nationwide representation for people who need social security disability benefits.
FAQs About Speech Disorders and Social Security Disability Benefits
What speech conditions qualify for disability benefits?
Aphasia, dysarthria, severe stuttering, laryngeal cancer, vocal cord paralysis, and neurological speech disorders may qualify.
Do I need to be completely unable to speak to qualify?
No. If your speech cannot be heard, understood, or sustained in a work setting, you may qualify.
What medical evidence is required?
Speech-language pathology evaluations, neurological records, and documentation of functional limitations.
How does the SSA decide disability claims for speech 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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