Can I qualify for disability based on having epilepsy?
Can You Qualify for Disability Benefits Because of Epilepsy? Adults with epilepsy may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates epilepsy according to the type, frequency, duration, and nature of the seizures.
How to apply for disability benefits with epilepsy?
- physical functioning, such as standing, balancing, or using your arms and hands
- understanding, remembering, or using information in work activities
- interacting with others
- concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace, or
- controlling emotions and behavior and maintaining well-being in a workplace setting,
Would epilepsy be considered a disability?
Epilepsy is one of the conditions listed in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book, which means that if you meet the requirements in the Blue Book listing for epilepsy you may be able to get disability benefits. The listing for epilepsy is very technical and there are separate requirements for convulsive and non-convulsive epilepsy.
Can I receive disability benefits for my epilepsy?
If you suffer from epilepsy or some other seizure disorder and have uncontrolled seizures, you may be wondering if it is possible to obtain Social Security disability benefits. The answer to this question is yes, it is possible to obtain Social Security disability benefits as a result of your seizures. There are several conditions that must be met before a successful claim for disability benefits because of seizures can be made.
How often can you get disability for a tonic clonic seizure?
How to apply for SSI disability?
How long do you have to take medication for epilepsy?
What causes seizures and changes in behavior?
What are the symptoms of a seizure?
How many people have refractory epilepsy?
Can you get disability if you have epilepsy?
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What benefits can someone with epilepsy get?
You may be entitled to benefits, depending on how your epilepsy affects you. This might include Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Universal Credit and Attendance Allowance. You will need to meet certain requirements in order to qualify for these benefits.
What type of seizures qualify for disability?
If, despite following your doctor's recommended treatment, you've been experiencing seizures once a month (for tonic-clonic) or once a week (for dyscognitive) for three months in a row, you will meet the criteria for a medical disability under the listings, and Social Security will find you disabled.
Why is it hard to get disability for epilepsy?
Social Security disability claims based on epilepsy can be difficult if proper medical treatment is not obtained and medication dosages are not followed. Epilepsy claims require expert understanding of the above evaluation process, as well as compelling medical evidence.
Is epilepsy considered a permanent disability?
To qualify for either SSI or SSDI, epileptic seizures have to occur regularly (see below). Because epilepsy is often controlled with medication, it is not always a disabling illness. Social Security examiners will want to see evidence that your condition is disabling even though you are taking your medication.
What jobs can I not do with epilepsy?
If you have seizures, you may not be able to do jobs that risk your safety or the safety of other people....These include:jobs that involve driving.working at heights, near open water or fire.working with unguarded machinery.
Can I work with epilepsy?
Working with epilepsy If your epilepsy is well controlled, it may not have any effect on your work. Speak to your employer if your condition makes it difficult to do your job. They have to make reasonable adjustments to your work tasks to allow you to keep working.
Does epilepsy get worse with age?
The incidence of any type of seizure increases substantially over the age of 60, commonly due to other neurological conditions such as dementia or stroke.
Does epilepsy damage the brain?
People with status epilepticus have an increased risk of permanent brain damage and death. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). People with epilepsy also have a small risk of sudden unexpected death. The cause is unknown, but some research shows it may occur due to heart or respiratory conditions.
Does epilepsy affect memory?
The epilepsy may cause difficulties with being able to store memories. Research has shown that people with epilepsy are prone to forget things more quickly than others.
Is epilepsy a physical or mental disability?
Epilepsy is not a mental illness. In fact, the vast majority of people living with epilepsy have no cognitive or psychological problem. For the most part, psychological issues in epilepsy are limited to people with severe and uncontrolled epilepsy.
How does epilepsy affect your ability to work?
If your epilepsy is controlled, it will not significantly affect your ability to perform physical work. However, it's obvious that you cannot perform any kind of physical work while having an epileptic seizure.
How does epilepsy affect your ability to work?
If your epilepsy is controlled, it will not significantly affect your ability to perform physical work. However, it's obvious that you cannot perform any kind of physical work while having an epileptic seizure.
Is epilepsy a physical or mental disability?
Epilepsy is not a mental illness. In fact, the vast majority of people living with epilepsy have no cognitive or psychological problem. For the most part, psychological issues in epilepsy are limited to people with severe and uncontrolled epilepsy.
What are the different types of seizures?
There are many kinds of generalized seizures, including:generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTC)tonic seizures.clonic seizures.absence seizures.myoclonic seizures.atonic seizures.infantile or epileptic spasms.
Is epilepsy a special need?
The nation's special education law specifically mentions epilepsy in its definition of “Other Health Impairment,” a category under which children may be found eligible for special education and related services.
How to get Social Security Disability for Seizures and Epilepsy
Bernard Stuczynski Barnett & Lager, PLLC. 234 W 6th Street Erie, PA 16507. Phone: 814-452-6232 Toll Free: 888-770-5910 Fax: 814-454-7488
Am I Eligible For Disability If I Have Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a chronic seizure condition that can be very difficult to live and work with. If you suffer from epilepsy, your condition may seriously interfere with your ability to work and support yourself and your loved ones.
List of Disabilities Covered Under ADA | UpCounsel 2022
Updated September 7, 2021: What Is the List of Disabilities Covered Under ADA? The list of disabilities covered under American with Disabilities Act (ADA) refers to all the disabilities for which an employee is protected from discrimination by employers.
Getting Disability Benefits With Epilepsy | MyEpilepsyTeam
Different types of disability benefits are available for people with epilepsy who qualify. Applications for disability depend on your inability to work.
11.00-Neurological-Adult - Social Security Administration
Section. 11.01 Category of Impairments, Neurological Disorders 11.02 Epilepsy 11.03 [Reserved] 11.04 Vascular insult to the brain 11.05 Benign brain tumors
What is my epilepsy team?
MyEpilepsyTeam is the social network for people with epilepsy and their loved ones. More than 91,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with epilepsy.
How long after you become disabled can you get Medicare?
If you are approved, you can receive benefits in the sixth month following your disability designation. You will then be eligible for Medicare 24 months after you became disabled.
How long does it take to get disability?
Processing an application for disability benefits takes an average of three to five months. It can take even longer to get approved. Most people are not approved the first time they apply. From 2009 through 2018, only 21 percent of applicants were approved on their first attempt.
How much do you have to earn to qualify for disability?
In determining your eligibility for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration will evaluate the following criteria: You are likely ineligible for benefits if you earn $1,260 or more a month. If you earn less, you may still be eligible; the amount you receive may be reduced.
Do people with epilepsy need to apply for disability?
People with epilepsy face considerable paperwork when applying for disability benefits . The Social Security Administration offers a checklist of necessary application information. Below is a summary of what you’ll need to provide.
Can I get Medicaid if I have SSI?
In most states, if you qualify for SSI, you are also eligible for Medicaid. In some states and territories — Alaska, Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and the Northern Mariana Islands — you will need to apply for Medicaid and SSI separately, though the requirements for both are the same.
Do you have to have a work history to get SSI?
SSI gives disability benefits to those who are considered low-income; a work history is not a requirement. Once you are approved, you should start to receive benefits in the next month. You may also be eligible for SSI back payments if you became disabled prior your approval. In most states, if you qualify for SSI, ...
How many people have epilepsy?
According to the CDC more than 3 million adults have epilepsy. Epilepsy causes seizures that can make it difficult or impossible for someone to work full time. Seizures can sometimes be controlled with medication, but the cost of that medication can be very expensive.
How to apply for disability benefits?
The best way to apply for Social Security disability benefits is to make an appointment at your local SSA office. Bring copies of all of your medical records and other documentation with you to the appointment. A staff member will help you fill out the application and submit your claim.
What are the symptoms of a seizure?
Seizures that cause you to experience pronounced issues after each seizure, which may include things like unusual behaviors, trouble thinking, a lack of energy, difficulty staying awake, or other post-seizure symptoms that interrupt daytime activities.
Can you get medical vocational allowance if you have epilepsy?
If you have epilepsy that makes it impossible for you to work but doesn’t meet the strict criteria listed in the Blue book you may be able to qualify for benefits under a Medical Vocational Allowance. To qualify you will need to demonstrate that your seizures or the aftermath of your seizures are so severe that they make it impossible to work with the skills that you have. When you fill out a claim for benefits you can ask for a Residual Functional Capacity Evaluation. This evaluation is done by the SSA to see if there’s any kind of work that you can reasonably be expected to do. If the SSA determines that there is no type of work that you can do because of epilepsy you can be approved for benefits even though you don’t meet the Blue Book listing requirements.
Can you file for disability if you have epilepsy?
If you have been diagnosed with epilepsy and you can’t work and you expect to be unable to work for at least 12 months you can file a claim for Social Security disability benefits. Social Security disability benefits can provide money that you need to pay for things like housing, bills, food, and other expenses.
How long does it take for an epilepsy patient to be diagnosed with disability?
To establish disability, patients will have to prove that epilepsy interferes with daily activities despite taking prescribed anticonvulsant medications for as long as three months. In some cases, patients may have to prove that alcohol and drug use aren’t contributing to the medicine’s lack of effectiveness.
What are the two types of seizure disorders?
Seizure type mental disorders are generally classified into two groups – Generalized and Partial. Before learning the process of getting disability for epilepsy, it is helpful to understand the different types of seizure disorders and their symptoms.
What causes seizures?
Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of the brain characterized by recurring seizures. It may be caused by genetic abnormalities or brain injury, but often the source is unknown. Seizure symptoms can range from simple staring spells or convulsions to total loss of consciousness. Seizures vary in frequency among people diagnosed with epilepsy.
Can a partial seizure be a generalized seizure?
The symptoms are: A partial seizure evolving into a generalized seizure. The seizure typically can be a generalized one or tonic-clonic. Around 70% of patients with partial seizures can have seizures controlled with proper medication. Seizures uncontrolled after the use of medication may require a surgical procedure.
Can you get disability for seizures?
Many people greatly reduce the frequency with which seizures occur through medication and proper treatment, with some becoming completely seizure free after a few years of treatment. Others, however, will continue to experience frequent, uncontrollable seizures. Adults diagnosed with epilepsy may be entitled to disability benefits from ...
Do I Qualify for Disability Benefits for Epilepsy?
The Blue Book lists impairments the SSA considers debilitating to such a degree that they prevent someone from working. It outlines the medical criteria for determining whether an applicant can receive disability benefits.
Can You Get Disability Benefits for Epilepsy if You Do Not Meet the Blue Book Criteria?
Not everyone with debilitating seizures will meet the criteria noted above even if their condition prevents them from working. If you do not meet the medical criteria noted in the Blue Book, you may still establish entitlement to benefits through the medical-vocational guidelines.
Evidence Required for Applying for Disability Benefits for Epilepsy
No matter what condition you are applying for, you will have to submit a complete record of medical documentation and evidence with your application to be approved for a disability claim. If you do not have complete records and evidence, your application may be denied.
How Long Does It Take To Get Approved for Benefits?
Before you commence with the application, you should ensure that you have all the documents SSA will need to make its determination. The SSA may reject your application for incomplete evidence. The Social Security office can take anywhere from three months to six months to decide your application. The disability process can be lengthy.
How does Social Security evaluate disability claims based on epilepsy?
How exactly does Social Security evaluate a disability claim based on Epilepsy? Social Security employs a 5-step sequential evaluation process to determine if you qualify for disability benefits under the SSDI and/or SSI programs. At each phase of a disability claim, there is an adjudicator, or decision-maker.
What are the physical limitations of severe illness?
Severity can take many forms, including physical limitations, such as limited ability to walk, stand, lift, push, carry things, etc. Severity can also encompass the inability to speak, hear, see, concentrate, follow basic instructions, get along with co-workers, etc.
What is the medical term for seizures?
Epilepsy is a medical condition that causes recurring seizures. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder which means if affects the brain. Epileptic seizures are caused by problems with electrical and chemical activity in the brain. The causes of most epileptic seizures are not known but most people develop epilepsy as a result of brain injury, ...
Why do people have seizures?
The causes of most epileptic seizures are not known but most people develop epilepsy as a result of brain injury, stroke or drug and alcohol abuse. Epilepsy is controllable with medication in 70% of cases, however if you are unresponsive to medications, this condition and its symptoms can make day-to-day activities virtually impossible.
Can you be disabled if you are older?
Basically, the older, less educated and the fewer transferable skills you acquired in your past work, the more likely you are to be found Disabled. If the adjudicator determines you can perform some other type of work, based on your age, education, and prior work experience, you would be found Not Disabled and denied.
Does Social Security consider epilepsy disabling?
And it depends on many factors, most notably the severity of your symptoms, the effectiveness of treatment options, the strength of your medical evidence, your age, your education level and the type of work you have done.
How often can you get disability for a tonic clonic seizure?
If you have generalized tonic-clonic seizures, you will be approved for disability benefits if you have: seizures that occur at least once a month for three consecutive months; no marked limitation necessary.
How to apply for SSI disability?
To set up an appointment to submit an application for SSI or SSDI through your local SSA office, call the SSA at 800-772-1213. After you submit all the necessary medical and financial information to the SSA, a claims examiner will request your medical records, review them with a medical consultant, and make a decision on whether to approve disability benefits for your epilepsy. It will likely take three to six months for the SSA to determine whether you are eligible for disability benefits.
How long do you have to take medication for epilepsy?
Note that, because it can take several months of taking medication to control seizures, especially if the medication needs to be adjusted, you must have taken your prescribed medication for at least three months before applying for disability benefits. In addition, if your doctor has told you to abstain from alcohol, and you haven't, you won't be considered to have followed prescribed treatment for three months. (Alcohol use can increase the risk of seizures and weaken the effect of anticonvulsant drugs.)
What causes seizures and changes in behavior?
Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes repeated seizures, episodes of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that cause convulsions or changes in behavior. Epilepsy can be caused by cerebral palsy, brain injury, brain infections, stroke, or brain tumor, but much of the time the cause is unknown.
What are the symptoms of a seizure?
seizures that occur at least once every other week for three consecutive months, and a "marked" (severe) limitation in one of the following areas:#N#physical functioning, such as standing, balancing, or using your arms and hands#N#understanding, remembering, or using information in work activities#N#interacting with others#N#concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace, or#N#controlling emotions and behavior and maintaining well-being in a workplace setting, 1 physical functioning, such as standing, balancing, or using your arms and hands 2 understanding, remembering, or using information in work activities 3 interacting with others 4 concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace, or 5 controlling emotions and behavior and maintaining well-being in a workplace setting,
How many people have refractory epilepsy?
While most cases of epilepsy can be treated successfully with medication, about 35-40% of people have "medically refractory epilepsy," or "intractable epilepsy," meaning that medication does not prevent seizures. There are several types of epilepsy, which cause various types of seizures:
Can you get disability if you have epilepsy?
If your epilepsy doesn't meet these requirements, you still might be able to get disability benefits based on a "medical-vocational allowance," if you can show that your epilepsy interferes with your capacity to work so much that there are no jobs you can do, considering your prior job experience, your education, and your age.
