How Severe Does a Stroke Have to Be to Get Disability Benefits?

About 795,000 people in the U.S. suffer strokes each year. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes hundreds of different conditions that qualify for disability benefits, but those conditions must be severe for a disability claim to be approved. If you have experienced a stroke and meet certain medical criteria, you can receive disability benefits. Here is a closer look at applying for Social Security disability benefits because after you suffered a stroke.

Blue Book Listing for a Stroke

Strokes can cause a variety of symptoms. It can be numbness, tingling, loss of smell, paralysis, and so forth. A stroke qualifies for disability benefits if you meet the medical criteria and if you will be unable to work for at least a year. For a stroke to qualify for disability benefits, two sets of criteria must be met. Strokes are reviewed under Section 11.04 for Central Nervous System Vascular Event.

To qualify per the listing, you will need to meet the following criteria:

  • Your ability to speak or write is completely lost or severely impaired
  • You have pronounced issues with controlling or coordinating movements with at least two extremities – arms or legs

If you cannot qualify per this listing, you may be able to qualify using another listing. If your vision is affected, you may qualify through listing 2.02, 2.03, or 2.04 or if you have hearing loss, you may qualify through listing 2.10.

How Severe Does a Stroke Have to Be to Get Disability Benefits?

How To Apply For Disability Benefits With a Stroke

Two of every three disability claims are denied when reviewed initially. Here are some of the more common causes for claim denials:

  • Technical problems with the application
  • Disqualification based on the medical information
  • Insufficient work history for SSDI benefits
  • Not meeting the financial criteria for SSI benefits

A disability attorney may help you with your claim for SSD because of a stroke. Your lawyer can help you gather supporting evidence and documentation and can work to help you get your claim approved. Supporting evidence and documentation are essential to the success of your disability claim.

How a Disabling Medical Condition May Affect You and Your Family

The financial strain affects not only you, but your family as well. You may need help doing simple tasks, and you may emotionally and mentally suffer because of your medical issues. You may no longer be able to participate in enjoyable activities, and you may suffer mentally and emotionally because of your inability to provide for your family’s needs. You should also discuss your emotional and mental state with your physician.

Get Your Claim on Track

If a stroke has left you unable to work and earn a living, you may want to enlist the help of a disability attorney. An attorney may know what supporting documentation your claim needs to succeed.

Disability attorneys do not require you to pay upfront for their services because disability lawyers work on a contingency basis. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form to share your details with an independent, participating lawyer who subscribes to the website and handles cases in your area.

Additional Resources

Get My Free Evaluation