A diagnosis of Parkinson Dementia Complex can be a devastating experience. The condition itself can cause symptoms that prevent an individual from continuing employment activity. Even if a person is able to work when the condition first develops, the deteriorating nature of the disease will eventually make work impossible.
The resulting lack of income and mounting medical bills can put undue financial stress on an individual and their family. Fortunately, in most cases, Social Security Disability benefits can help.
If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson Dementia Complex and you are wondering how the condition may qualify you for financial assistance from the Social Security Disability program, the following information will help you understand the disability claim process and how the Social Security Administration reviews claims that are based on this particular diagnosis.
Parkinsonism Dementia Complex Condition and Symptoms
Parkinsonism Dementia Complex is a disease that targets loss of voluntary muscle functions and upper and lower motor control due to nerve damage within the brain stem and spinal cord. This condition is considered to be a neurodegenerative illness that will eventually lead to full paralysis.
The rate at which the disease progresses will vary from patient to patient, but some stages of the disease can be severely debilitating.
As with many forms of dementia and conditions that involve nerve damage and loss of brain function, early symptoms are hard to catch and diagnose. Nerve cell damage progresses over time, as do the symptoms.
Some people may experience a rapid decline while others may experience a slow decline that may never become severe. Common signs of Parkinsonism Dementia Complex, however, are stiff, tight muscles due to motor neuron damage, muscle weakness accompanied by twitching, and exaggerated reflexes.
All of the symptoms eventually lead to muscle atrophy and loss of function completely as the disease progresses. Other symptoms of Parkinsonism may affect one's speech and their ability to chew and swallow regularly.
Causes of Parkinsonism Dementia Complex
People who develop Parkinsonism suffer from neurons (nerve cells) that waste away to nothing and die. This renders them useless due to their inability to communicate with the brain and send important messages through the body.
After any person stops using their muscles frequently, the muscles get weak and they eventually start to die as well.
Unfortunately, the actual causes of this happening is unknown, but research is continuing in this area.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Parkinsonism Dementia Complex
Parkinsonism Dementia Complex is listed as one of the qualifying disabling conditions under the Social Security Administration's Compassionate Allowances listing.
This means that an individual who is suffering from the conditions may be able to obtain Social Security Disability benefits in a matter of weeks rather than waiting months or even years before disability benefits begin.
It is important to note that just because your condition falls under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances Listings, that does not mean that you will automatically be approved for Social Security Disability benefits.
You must be able to prove that you are completely unable to work due to the limitations that your condition places on you. This means providing the SSA with sufficient medical evidence including medical records, laboratory test results and records pertaining to your treatment history.
It is also important that you provide the SSA with properly filled out disability claim forms. That means filling out each question in detail and providing as much information as you can to the Social Security Administration.
The more information you can provide, the easier it will be for the adjudicator who is reviewing your file to understand how you qualify for claim processing under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
Parkinsonism Dementia Complex and Your Social Security Disability Case
Because parkinsonism dementia complex is covered under the SSA's Compassionate allowances listings, your chances of receiving an approval of your initial disability claim are good if you can prove that your condition meets the guidelines that have been set forth by the SSA.
If, however, there is any question as to whether or not your condition meets the required guidelines or whether or not you are able to perform any type of work activity, your initial claim for Social Security Disability benefits may be denied.
If your initial disability claim is denied, it is important to consult with a disability advocate or attorney as soon as possible. These professionals can help you understand why your initial claim for benefits was denied and can represent you in a disability appeal.
Statistics show that applicants who are properly represented during the appeal process are more likely to be awarded benefits than applicants who choose to represent themselves. Fortunately, Compassionate Allowances appeals get expedited attention from the Social Security Administration.
To learn more about filing for Social Security Disability benefits with parkinsonism dementia complex or to learn more about working with a Social Security Disability attorney or advocate, click here for a free evaluation of your Social Security Disability case.
