Considered one of the most traumatic medical events, a stroke can turn a highly productive professional into a permanent patient that works hard every day rehabilitating the mental and physical damage caused by the disease. An ischemic stroke develops when the arteries leading to the brain suddenly become blocked. Bleeding into brain tissue is referred to as a hemorrhagic stroke.
As one of the most common types of medical emergencies, a stroke impairs speech and motor skills. This makes it difficult for most professionals to continue working, which causes a huge financial drain that combines lost wages with skyrocketing medical bills. How does someone who suffered a stroke stay afloat financially?
The answer is to reach out to the Social Security Administration.
Applying for Disability Benefits
A stroke is not something that improves with the passage of time and a rigorous rehabilitation program. In fact, after the first stroke, the likelihood of at least one subsequent stroke increases significantly. One brain injury expert compared a stroke to an earthquake in which several tremors are possible after the initial major tremor.
Because of the severity of living in the aftermath of a stroke, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has devoted an entire section in its disability recognition guide called the Blue Book.
As part of your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application, you need to submit documentation that demonstrates you suffer from the consequences of a stroke. Then, a team of healthcare and vocational specialists closely analyze your application before making a decision to approve or deny it.
The team of SSDI application reviewers might request you to undergo a consultative examination to determine the seriousness of your disability. Failure to comply with the request can lead to a denied SSDI claim.
What Happens after a Denied Claim?
Although a stroke usually results in an approved SSDI application, sometimes applications come back denied because of a lack of evidence proving the existence of stroke symptoms and/or inaccurate employment information. The SSA needs to look at your earnings record to determine a financial award the meets your needs.
For any mental and physical questions, the SSA might ask you to complete a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment form. An RFC assessment form digs much deeper into the mental and physical issues that afflict stroke patients.
For example, if you work as a website graphics designer, the SSA might want a physician to conduct a test that measures your cognitive skills, especially when it involves creativity. You also might have to go through more diagnostic tests that include an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) and Trans-cranial Doppler (TCD) Ultrasound.
These tests are the result of recent advancements for conducting tests that measure the seriousness of a stroke. Before you begin the appeal process, you should consider working with a disability attorney who has compiled an impressive record of turning denied SSDI applications into approved SSDI application.
Other Reasons to Hire a Disability Lawyer
Preparation is everything when it comes to submitting a convincing SSDI application. Your attorney ensures you present more than enough compelling evidence that convinces the SSA to approve your claim. In addition, a disability lawyer can recommend where to have your case evaluated, without any costs to you. A free case evaluation provides you with insight into the strength of your SSDI application.
Schedule a free initial consultation today with a state licensed disability attorney.
