Parkinsonian Syndrome can be a frustrating condition to live with. Because the diagnosis refers to the symptoms that a patient is experiencing rather than an actual disease, feelings of frustration and a fear of what is wrong with an individual's body can be overwhelming. To make matters worse, the symptoms experienced by individuals who are diagnosed with Parkinsonian Syndrome can interfere with the ability to maintain employment, resulting in a loss of income. This is compounded by the fact that Parkinsonian Syndrome patients often face significant disability-related medical expenses. Fortunately, in cases such as these, Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income may be able to help. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Parkinsonian Syndrome, the following information will help you understand the Social Security Disability claim process and how the Social Security Administration reviews claims based on this diagnosis.
Parkinsonian Syndrome Condition and Symptoms
Unlike many disabling conditions, Parkinsonian Syndrome is not an actual disease. Instead, the diagnosis is given to individuals who are suffering from symptoms that are similar to those of Parkinson's Disease, even though the cause of the symptoms is not yet known. These symptoms may include things like slowness, stooped posture, tremors and a shuffling gait. Eventually the diagnosis may change, but until the underlying cause of the symptoms is known, Parkinsonian Syndrome is the diagnosis that is given to a patient when these symptoms present themselves.
In some cases, Parkinson's Disease may actually be the cause of Parkinsonian Syndrome, but the diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease will not be given until enough medical evidence is obtained by the treating physician to prove such a diagnosis. In other cases, Parkinson's Disease may not be the cause of the symptoms of Parkinsonian Syndrome and another underlying condition may be found. In some cases, the cause of the symptoms is never discovered and the patient will retain the diagnosis of Parkinsonian Syndrome.
The symptoms of Parkinsonian Syndrome can hinder an individual's mobility and will oftentimes have a significant impact on their quality of life. In many cases, an individual who suffers from Parkinsonian Syndrome will be unable to work due to the symptoms that they suffer from. In these cases, Social Security Disability benefits may be able to help.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Parkinsonian Syndrome
Parkinsonian Syndrome is listed as a qualifying disability under the Social Security Administration's Blue Book in Medical Listing 11.06. According to this listing, an individual may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits as a result of this diagnosis if the condition results in significant rigidity of the body. The applicant must also suffer from a tremor in two of the extremities of the body, which singly (or in combination) result in the sustained disturbance of dexterous movements, gait and/or station.
When filing for Social Security Disability benefits due to a diagnosis of Parkinsonian Syndrome, you must be able to prove that your condition meets the guidelines that have been set forth in Section 11.06 of the SSA's Medical Listings. Because of this, you will need to include a complete copy of your medical records with your application for Social Security Disability benefits. If your medical records do not notate the severity of your condition; if you do not have enough medical evidence to prove that you meet the requirements of Section 11.06; or if your condition does not fall within the specific published guidelines of the Social Security Blue Book, you will likely need to undergo the process of a Social Security Disability appeal.
Parkinsonian Syndrome and Your Social Security Disability Case
Because Parkinsonian Syndrome is covered under the SSA's Medical Listings, you should be able to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if you have enough medical evidence to prove that your symptoms meet the SSA's published criteria. In this case, you would likely be awarded benefits during the initial stage of the application process. However, if there is any question as to whether or not your symptoms meet the criteria of Section 11.06; or if there is any question as to whether or not you are able to perform any type of work activity, the Social Security Administration is likely to deny your initial disability claim.
If you are denied disability benefits during the initial stage of the application process, you should consult with a Social Security Disability advocate or attorney as soon as possible. These professionals can help you understand why your initial claim for benefits was denied and they will work to help you gather the evidence needed to support your disability claim. The professional you hire will then be able to represent you throughout your disability appeal, increasing your chances of overturning the SSA's decision to deny your Social Security Disability payments.
To learn more about filing for SSD benefits with Parkinsonian Syndrome or to learn more about working with a Social Security Disability lawyer, simply fill out the form for a free evaluation of your disability case.
