Ssdi And Parkinsons Disease
The SSA may not award SSDI benefits based on your Parkinsons disease diagnosis alone. In fact, many are able to work for a long time after receiving a diagnosis. Thus, if you are filing a claim, it is important that you provide medical evidence that your Parkinsons disease symptoms are of a level of severity that prevent you from working. Even if you are still working and not ready to make a claim, be sure that your doctors are documenting your symptoms in your medical records. If your symptoms progress to the point of disability, having the symptom progression documented in the medical records can help you prove your claim and explain what changed over time to render you disabled.
The SSA publishes the Blue Book online, which explains the SSAs disability determination process and the listing of impairments that it will consider when making a disability determination. The SSAs listing for Parkinsons disease is found in the Blue Book at 11.06 Parkinsonian syndrome. To meet listing 11.06, despite adherence to prescribed treatment for at least three consecutive months , you must have:
A. Disorganization of motor function in two extremities , resulting in an extreme limitation in the ability to stand up from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, or use the upper extremities.
B. Marked limitation in physical functioning , and in one of the following:
Qualifying For Benefits By Meeting Medical Listing 1106
One way to qualify for Social Security disability is to satisfy the specific requirements included in Section 11.06 of the Blue Book Listing of Impairments. If you have received medical treatment for Parkinson’s disease for at least three months, then you may qualify for benefits if one of the following is true:
- You suffer disorganization of motor function in two extremities resulting in an extreme limitation in your ability to stand up from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, or use your upper extremities.
- You have a marked limitation in physical functioning and one of the following: understanding, remembering, or applying information interacting with other people concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace or adapting or managing yourself.
Ssa Eligibility Requirements For Disability Benefits
Disability claimants really have to pass two sets of criteria: the generic requirements which apply to everyone, and then a second set of condition-specific requirements which depend on the underlying medical problem. For example, the medical standards for a claimant with Parkinsons are obviously going to be very different from the medical standards for a claimant with multiple sclerosis, bipolar disorder, or high blood pressure.
Before we look at the medical criteria for Parkinsons Disease, its important to review the SSAs blanket disability requirements:
- Your disability must be long-term, meaning it has either lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months, or is expected to result in death.
- Your disability must be severe, meaning your condition either prohibits you from working, or only permits you to work on an extremely limited basis. The amount you work is expressed as a value called SGA, or Substantial Gainful Activity, which brings us to the next criteria point
- You cannot be earning too much money. If your monthly income or SGA exceeds certain thresholds, the SSA will determine that you are capable of working regularly enough to support yourself, and your claim will be denied. The specific SGA thresholds vary depending on factors such as:
- Whether you are legally blind.
- Whether you are filing a claim for SSDI or SSI .
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When Is Parkinsons A Disability
If your Parkinsons diagnosis is recent, you may only be experiencing the early symptoms, such as a slow tremor on one or more extremities or rigidity in your muscles. While these symptoms may be upsetting, they may not prevent you from continuing with your normal activities, including going to work. In fact, even if you have an official diagnosis of Parkinsons, it is possible you will not automatically qualify for SSDI even though it is included on the list of approved conditions.
However, you can still begin preparing for the time when you are ready to apply for disability benefits. This includes keeping a careful log of your symptoms, their progression and how they interfere with your daily routine, such as:
- Your ability to stand up, walk or remain balanced while standing
- The motor function in your arms and hands
- Your cognitive abilities, such as remembering, understanding or following through on instructions
- Concentration on tasks or the ability to complete them in a timely manner
- Communication and interaction with your co-workers or family members
When the time comes to apply for benefits, you will need to supply substantial evidence to support your claim that your Parkinsons symptoms prevent you from maintaining gainful employment. This will include statements about how the disease affects your daily life from your doctors, medical records, testimony from your family, your personal statement, and accounts from your employer and co-workers.
Four Cardinal Symptoms Of Parkinsons Disease
Following are considered to be the cardinal symptoms of Parkinsons Disease:
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When Do I Receive My First Ltd Payment
In most cases, you may receive your first LTD payment within 90 days of approval. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and at times, some people will have to wait months, or even as long as a year to receive the benefits to which they are truly entitled. This is unacceptable, which is why our firm is here to expedite the process as quickly as possible. If you are ready to get started, please do not hesitate to speak with our experienced long term disability attorneys today. We are ready to help you through every step of the legal process ahead. All you have to do is give us a call.
Treatment Of Parkinson’s Disease
Movement problems can sometimes be helped by drugs that replace the missing dopamine, but this treatment will not stop general worsening, because the real culprit is alpha-synuclein. Some severe cases that no longer respond to drugs have had tremors helped by placement of deep brain electrodes, but this is highly invasive and not a cure. Until the formation of abnormal alpha-synuclein can be stopped, PD will remain incurable, but medication can help control your symptoms.
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Living With Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disease, which means that the symptoms get worse with time. The most common early symptoms include body rigidity or stiffness and shakiness when the hands are at rest. Other early symptoms include fatigue, balance problems, slurred speech, reduced sense of smell, gastrointestinal problems, slowed movement, personality change, and lack of emotional expression. As the disease progresses, the symptoms get worse. Tremors and stiffness can affect the ability to move independently. Dementia may occur in the later stages of the disease.
There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but medications can help to control symptoms.
The Right Legal Guidance Can Make The Difference In Getting Disability Benefits For Parkinsons Disease
At Marc Whitehead & Associates, we can help you prepare an initial SSDI or LTD application for the best possible outcome. If youve already been denied benefits for Parkinsons, our attorneys will develop and file a solid appeal to rebut a wrongful claim denial.
Our accredited veterans claims lawyers help vets across the U.S. get their rightful benefit payments approved in the shortest amount of time possible.
We have helped hundreds of claimants with Parkinsons disease get disability benefits. and as we analyze your situation, we identify and fix critical information gaps in any of part of your claim including missing medical data or incomplete vocational and functional evidence. We work in cooperation with your treating physicians and may enlist the assistance of qualified vocational experts, and much more.You must never give up. Call us toll free at or request a Free Legal Consultation to learn how we can help. Parkinsons is a serious disability, and we are able to assist you wherever you live.
About Marc Whitehead
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Why Do Companies Offer Long Term Disability Insurance
Companies offer long term disability insurance to individuals who were either injured or developed a medical condition that prevents them from returning to work either permanently, or for an extended period of time. Generally, if awarded long term disability, you will either receive one lump-sum payment or monthly insurance payments, depending on your situation.
Applying For Ssdi: Parkinsons Disease Symptoms And Treatments
While every person will experience Parkinsons Disease differently, many will experience some of the same symptoms. You may notice some initial subtle signs during the early stages, such as balance issues, minor tremors, slower movements, muscle stiffness, difficulty smiling and blinking on command and changes in speech and writing. These symptoms typically become progressively worse over time, and worsen at different rates in each person. The ability to walk, ability to balance, and/or ability to rise to standing from a seated position will often be affected. Concentrating on tasks can become difficult for many people with Parkinsons.
Treatment will also vary with each person and it can take some time for doctors to find the right balance of medication doses and therapies. You will likely be prescribed various medications to manage your symptoms as a way to improve your quality of life. Side effects from prescription medications used to treat Parkinsons may be significant for some people and should be discussed with your doctor.
Patients with Parkinsons will need to see their doctors regularly, and also may need to follow a rigorous therapy program, such as speech therapy, physical therapy and therapy as provided by a mental health professional. In some situations, brain stimulation through a surgical procedure may be performed.
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Get A No Obligation Free Legal Consultation Today
If your Parkinson’s is so severe that you can’t work, but the Social Security Administration denied your SSD claim or if you want help applying for SSD benefits don’t waste any time.
Contact Edgar Snyder & Associates at 412-394-1000, or fill out our free legal consultation form.
Remember, you have only 60 days to file an appeal. Hiring an attorney may mean the difference between whether or not you collect SSD benefits, so get started today.
How Does The Disability Tax Credit Help
Based on the assortment of complications Parkinsons can lead to, as well as the challenges presented from the condition itself, the disorder is classified as a disability by the Canadian government. To help offset the costs of extra care or medical treatments, the Canada Revenue Agency provides disability tax benefits like the Canadian Disability Tax Credit for families coping with Parkinsons.
Despite disability tax refunds readily available for many eligible Canadians, unclaimed disability tax credits are all too common. The DTC application process is notoriously tricky to navigate, pushing people away from even submitting their T2201 form altogether.
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Is Parkinson’s Preventing You From Working
Parkinsons can cause a wide range of physical and mental symptoms which affect daily life and the ability to work. Parkinsons can case a tremor, or trembling, of the arms, legs, face, or head. Bradykinesia refers to the slowness of movement unique to Parkinsons disease, such as dragging the feet when you walk or moving slowly when rising from a seated position. Parkinsons also causes a loss of automatic movements, such as swinging your arms when walking or blinking. Parkinsons can result in a soft and monotone speaking voice. Often times, the person with Parkinsons is unaware of these gradual physical symptoms, as they are very mild at first.
Eventually, the dysfunction in the slowness of movement in the arms and legs can reach a level of severity where the individual is a fall risk and needs assistance for basic functions of daily life, such as eating, dressing, and bathing. It is usually the spouse or family members who first notice these mild physical signs of movement-related physical symptoms. Those with Parkinsons can also experience increased depression, emotional problems, and trouble sleeping, which can affect their abilities to concentrate on mental tasks or stay focused. Those diagnosed with Parkinsons can also have urinary problems, constipation, and skin problems, further complicating their daily lives.
Free Case Evaluation For People With Parkinsons Disease
All too often, claimants are denied Social Security benefits based on missing, inaccurate, or incomplete paperwork. As a result, the applicant must then begin on the arduous disability appeal process. Unfortunately, the this process is long and slow, resulting in excruciating delays.
A Social Security Disability lawyer can make sure you have the documents you need the first time, saving you the hassle and the delay of a lengthy disability appeal process.
To speak with a qualified Social Security Attorney about your chances of getting Social Security benefits, request a free disability evaluation today.
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Meeting Ssas Medical Listing For Parkinsonian Syndrome
With that in mind, the fastest way to win SSDI benefits for Parkinsons is to qualify under SSAs medical listing 11.06, Parkinsonian Syndrome. Qualifying under this listing requires detailed medical evidence. In brief, you need a diagnosis of Parkinsons disease, supported by medical records of symptoms including:
- Significant rigidity
- Bradykinesia
- Tremors in two extremities
Your symptoms should also show difficulty with fine motor skills, large motor skills, standing, or walking. In addition to various test results, SSA will require your doctors responses to targeted questions concerning your PD, as well as proof of your adherence to prescribed treatment.
If you meet or equal the requirements of the listing, SSA will find you are disabled without considering your age, education, and work experience.
Qualifying For Benefits Based On A Reduced Rfc
If your PS symptoms don’t meet the guidelines in the above listing, you could still potentially qualify for benefits under what are referred to as “medical-vocational” rules. To receive benefits under the medical-vocational rules, you must show that your condition is severe enough to significantly limit your ability to perform basic work-related activities.
A doctor working for the Social Security Administration will review your medical records, your reports of your symptoms, the opinions of your doctor and any consultative examiner , and any other evidence in your claim file. You will then be assigned a physical residual functional capacity , which is the heaviest classification of work that the SSA feels you can perform If you have a mental problem from parkinsonism, you will also receive a mental RFC by a psychiatrist or psychologist working for the SSA.
The SSA will then have a vocational analyst consider your age, level of education, and prior work experience to determine if you can return to that work. If not, the analyst will decide if there are any other jobs that you would be able to do.
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Disability Tax Credit Eligibility For Canadians Suffering Of Parkinsons Disease
Nearly 100,000 Canadians suffer from Parkinsons disease, which is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that can rob a person of the ability to lead a normal, productive life. As it tends to appear later in life, 85 percent of those in Canada diagnosed with the disease are over 65, it is vital that individuals and their families understand Parkinsons and its treatment.
How We Can Help You
To our team, you’re a person. To the government, you’re just a claim number. We believe in providing considerate, attentive service to our clients.
When you choose Edgar Snyder & Associates to represent you in your SSD claim, you can be sure that we will treat you with respect. We will explain the legal process to you, making sure you understand the options available to you and the possible outcomes of the decisions you make. We will treat you the way you deserve to be treated.
Other things we do to win your appeal and give you peace of mind include:
- Gathering documents from your Social Security file
- Gathering medical records and reports
- Gathering other types of evidence for your claim
- Talking with your doctor about your Parkinson’s disease and how it makes you unable to work
- Telling you what to expect at your Social Security hearing
- And more
Our success record speaks for itself. We win the majority of appeals for our clients. And if you’re still not sure hiring a lawyer is worth it, know that we operate on a contingent fee basis. If we don’t win your appeal, or if we help you apply and you don’t receive SSD benefits, you won’t owe us a penny.
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What Benefits Can You Claim If You Have Parkinsons
There are a couple of benefits you can claim if you have Parkinsons, which are SSDI benefits and Medicare. The first being Social Security Disability Insurance or SSDI.
SSDI benefits are one of the two programs that the Social Security Administration offers and it is for those who at one point were able to work, but can no longer work for at least 12 months because of a disability or a severe ailment like Parkinsons Disease.
In order to qualify for SSDI benefits, you need to be deemed disabled by the SSA and you need to have a sufficient amount of work credits.
Work credits are calculated by your age and how long you have worked. If you are SSDI benefits, under certain conditions, your family members like children under the age of 18 or your spouse.
The other benefit that you can claim if you have Parkinsons is Medicare. Medicare is a federal program for those with disabilities and for people 65 and over.
If you qualify for SSDI benefits with Parkinsons, you will also qualify for Medicare as well. You automatically get Medicare Part A and Part B after you get one of these:
- Disability benefits from Social Security for 24 months
- Certain disability benefits from the RRB for 24 months