Whether you are dealing with the mild symptoms of your first stroke or trying to cope with multiple severe attacks, you might be eligible for receiving Social Security disability benefits. Strokes are in the top 10 disabilities that qualify for Social Security benefits.
Although strokes negatively affect the health of older Americans, roughly 25 percent of all cases impact Americans that are younger than 65 years.
If you suffered a stroke before you reached retirement age, applying for Social Security disability benefits can be the answer to your financial distress.
Why an Awareness Month for a Stroke?
Almost two million brain cells die every minute for a stroke is not treated. May is stroke awareness month to educate Americans about detecting the signs of the mildest strokes, as well as providing help on how to cope with the sometimes deadly medical condition.
Because 80 percent of strokes can be prevented, a month dedicated to shining the spotlight on the medical condition lets Americans know how they can change their lifestyles to include healthier practices. The American Stroke Association emphasizes several tips that can help you prevent a stroke.
- Lower cholesterol
- Reduced blood pressure
- Exercise on a regular basis
- Follow a healthy diet
- Lose weight
- Stop smoking
How Can Someone Who Had a Stroke Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) lists a stroke as a qualifying medical condition for financial assistance under Section 11.04 of the Blue Book. However, the symptoms of a stroke must severely impact your ability to speak and/or write, as well as develop significant issues with the way you control your movements in the arms and legs.
If you do not meet the medical guidelines listed in Section 11.04 of the Blue Book, you might qualify for financial assistance if you suffer from hearing and/or vision loss.
Your doctor can determine whether the symptoms of a stroke are serious enough to warrant the approval of Social Security disability benefits.
What If I Don’t Meet or Match the Blue Book Listing for a Stroke?
Because suffering from a stroke does not automatically qualify you the financial assistance offered by the SSA, you should prepare for the alternative approach to proving the physical ailment has made it difficult for you to continue working.
A Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment consists of a series of tests that measure the seriousness of your stroke symptoms.
One of the physicians from the SSA that is in charge of conducting your RFC assessment might ask you to complete several tests that measure your ability to move around. For example, you might have to raise your arms and legs in a repetitive motion exercise to determine the extent of your stroke symptoms.
How Do I Start the Disability Application Process for a Stroke?
A Social Security lawyer is a valuable asset when it comes to proving the symptoms of a stroke have made it impossible to continue to work. Your attorney can help you collect and organize medical documents that demonstrate the severity of your stroke symptoms.
Just as important is getting legal support to ensure you meet the filing deadline for filing a Social Security disability claim.
The SSA typically wants to review evidence that proves you suffer from stroke symptoms.
Diagnostic evidence in the form of imaging scans can reveal significant changes in your nervous system. Hospital stay records, including any emergency room visits, can also help a stroke victim receive financial assistance that covers the money lost because of downtime from work.
