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 .
Can I Claim Disability For Parkinsons
Parkinsons disease is classically a neurodegenerative disorder in the brain that mostly affects a persons motor abilities in the early phases. Along with resting tremors which is a well-known sign of parkinsons disease, symptoms such as stiff muscles, coordination problems, difficulty in standing and walking and speech impairment are indication of parkinsons disease. As result of this, the person finds it very difficult or impossible to work a job. Parkinsons disease motor disability is due to decrease in dopamine production in areas of brain vital for smooth functioning of limbs. However, the actual disease is caused by an abnormal protein alpha synuclein.
Disabilities Secondary To Parkinsons Disease
While most people tend to think of Parkinsons disorder as a neurological movement disorder, and it most certainly is, many people do not realize that other systems in the body can also be severely affected by Parkinsons. Often, the same chemical exposure can also cause other disorders, such as ischemic heart disease. However, often it is the Parkinsons itself, or the medication used to treat it that is the causal factor in the development of a new disorder. Whether a veterans Parkinsons was caused by exposure to the TCDD in agent orange, pesticides, trichloroethylene, or its origins are unknown, Parkinsons cause many secondary health effects and disabilities.
Cardiovascular Complications
Parkinsons is known as a neurodegenerative disorder; that is, it causes neurons to degenerate or decay. The most famous area for PD degeneration is in an area of the brain called the;substantia nigra, where Parkinsons causes the death of neurons that generate dopamine, a neurotransmitter which is involved with movement. However,;more;recent;studies;have also shown that Parkinsons also attacks nerves in the heart which produce another neurotransmitter, noradrenaline. This typically takes place in the left ventricle and can have many complications.
Orthopedic Problems
Psychiatric Problems
Other Problems
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Disability Listing On Behalf Of Parkinsonian Syndrome
To be eligible for benefits, mentioned in the listing 11.06, you medical files must contain one of the following:
The incapability to have control over the movement of two extreme limbs , although completing 3 months of management. This has resulted in the severe difficulty in task of balance while standing or walking, to get up from seated position or to use the arms. Or, Marked physical struggle along with a marked limitation in any one of the following:
- Thinking
- Interaction with others , or
- Concluding tasks .
Here, the term Marked refers to worse than moderate, except less than extreme.
How Will My Insurance Company Consider My Parkinsons Disease Symptoms
The symptoms of Parkinsons can vary drastically in nature, severity, and frequency.; Due to the somewhat unpredictable clinical presentation of Parkinsons, just being diagnosed is not usually enough to receive long term disability benefits.; Instead, the insurance company will look to see how;your particular symptoms;impact your ability to work.
The insurance company will assess your Parkinsons by considering your:
- Motor functioning;
- Treatment.
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What Treatment Does My Long Term Disability Insurer Want To See
The insurance company will require proof you are seeking appropriate treatment fr ur Parkinsons. ;Even if your symptoms are stable, your long term disability insurer will want to see that you are regularly visiting your doctors and following their treatment recommendations.
Parkinsons is treated most often with Levodopa , carbidopa, or a combination of the two called Sinemet.; Your doctor may prescribe other medications that cause your body to make more dopamine.; And your doctor may also prescribe medication that imitates the effects of dopamine or that stop your body from breaking down dopamine. ;Providing your long term disability insurer with proof of your prescribed medications is important. ;Your long term disability insurer will require that your doctor is regularly reviewing, and if needed, adjusting any medications you take.
Your doctor may also refer you to a physical therapist to improve your balance and ability to move. Physical therapy may also include muscle-strengthening exercises to help you speak or swallow.; Your long term disability insurer will require that you keep consistent appointments with your physical therapists.
Other treatments may include deep brain stimulation, implants, or experimental treatments to spur the creation of dopamine.; Again, your long term disability insurer will require that you are regularly visiting your doctors and that you are following their recommendations.
Do Not Be Discouraged
Many SSDI claims for Parkinsonian Syndrome are initially denied. Yet when represented by a disability attorney, denials often go on to be approved at the ALJ hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.;
Our attorneys can give you superior support in pursuing your disability benefits for Parkinsons disease and can represent your claim at any level of the appeals process. We also have the resources that can help a borderline claim based on Parkinsonian syndrome be successful.
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Parkinsons Disease: How To Qualify For Social Security Disability
Parkinsons disease is a progressive disease of your nervous system that affects your movement.; It results from a breakdown of individual nerve cells in a persons brain called neurons.; When neurons break down or die, a persons dopamine levels will drop which results in abnormal brain activity.; While the cause of Parkinsons is unknown, it is believed that genetics and exposure to toxins or environmental factors can play a significant role in the development of the condition.
Click here to begin your application for disability benefits.
At the onset of the condition, the signs may be barely noticeable.; Often, the symptoms of Parkinsons disease can begin on one side of a persons body.; As the condition progresses, the symptoms usually become more severe and noticeable on both sides of the body.; The most common symptoms of Parkinsons disease include tremor, slowed movement, rigid muscles, impaired posture and balance, loss of automatic actions, altered speech, and difficulty with writing.
Premier Disability Services, LLC has extensive experience assisting claimants who have Parkinsons disease.; If you have been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease and you are unable to work, please contact our office for a free evaluation;of your claim.
Social Security Disability Eligibility For People With Parkinson’s Disease
In its early stages, Parkinson’s disease rarely affects a person’s ability to work. However, the progression of the disease can make it difficult to do many jobs safely and effectively. When Parkinson’s disease affects your ability to earn a living, Social Security disability benefits are an option.
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How To Administer Cbd Oil For Parkinsons Disease
There are several ways that one can take CBD:
- CBD oils and tinctures These liquids can be used sublingually , or they can be added to food or beverages. Oils and tinctures can also be applied to the skin, which is recommended for PD patients suffering from localized pain and muscle stiffness.
- Capsules and pills This form of CBD administration is especially helpful to PD patients who cannot properly dose liquids as a result of tremors. The effect when taking CBD oil for Parkinsons with pills and capsules is a bit delayed, but once it kicks in, it can be felt for 4 hours or longer.
- Edibles Although they can be effective, edibles are not recommended for people with Parkinsons because the dosage might not be as accurate as with other methods of administration.
- Smoking cannabis Cannabis can be smoked, vaped or inhaled, though experts advise PD patients to avoid smoking as it may cause damage to the lungs or throat.
What Are Some Common Coverage Limitations That Could Apply To My Long Term Disability Claim
Most disability insurance will exclude or limit coverage for certain conditions. The applicability and impact of a limitation on your claim requires careful analysis of the policy language, facts of your case, and the applicable law. Still, the following information may help you identify whether you have a potential coverage limitation issue.
Pre-existing condition limitation: ;A pre-existing condition limitation can exclude coverage for disabilities caused by conditions that you had, or for which you received treatment, before you were covered under the policy.
Mental illness limitation: ;Commonly, benefits for mental illness such as depression or anxiety are limited to 12 or 24 months. This can be of particular concern for those with Parkinsons disease because there can be significant emotional symptoms caused by the disease and side effects of medications. It is important that you identify and document the physical impairments from Parkinsons disease that impact your ability to work.
Appropriate care and treatment: ;Most policies will not pay benefits unless you are receiving appropriate care and treatment for your Parkinsons disease. That does not mean that you must engage in all possible therapies. However, you should be under the care of a treatment team, including a neurologist. You and your care providers should agree on a course of therapy and stick to it unless it is appropriate to modify it. Failure to do so can result in a benefit denial.
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What Are Disability Benefits For Parkinson Disease
Social Security Disability Insurance is a benefit program administered by the government through the Social Security Administration . It offers monthly payments to qualified workers with a disability that prevents gainful employment. To receive these insurance benefits, you must meet the governments strict rules and stipulations.
What Does A Parkinsons Nurse Do
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8 Ways to Help Someone You Love Manage Parkinsons Disease
Also know, what can a CNA do to help someone with Parkinson disease?CNAs play a very important role in the life of Parkinsons residents. They can assist in the following areas to help residents remain functional for many years: Tremors-Many people with Parkinsons disease feel embarrassed by their tremors.
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Enjoy A Healthy Sex Life:
We have no particular reason to say that sexual ability goes down with Parkinsons disease, says Rosenthal. There are certainly challenges, but rest assured that a satisfying sex life is not something you have to put behind you after a diagnosis. Treatments for erectile dysfunction can work for Parkinsons patients, just as they do for non-Parkinsons patients. Problems that crop up run the gamut: Men may experience sexual problems, like erectile dysfunction, and men and women may have problems with decreased libido. Physical symptoms of the disease, such as stiffness and tremor, may make moving around in bed more challenging. But you can help some of these problems enormously through good self-care. For example, getting enough sleep and exercise can boost sex drive.
How Is Parkinsons Disease Diagnosed
A doctors diagnostic process for PD may include:
- Thorough review of medical history
- Neurological examination
- Looking for two or more of the cardinal symptoms of PD such as resting tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability
- DaTscan, a technique that allows doctors to capture detailed images of the dopamine system
Parkinsons Disease shares the symptoms of many other disorders. Since none of the above methods can definitively diagnose a person with Parkinsons, PDs misdiagnosis rate is fairly high.
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Parkinsons Disease And Long Term Disability Insurance Claims
You may have group disability insurance coverage as part of an employee benefits plan, or you may have purchased an individual disability policy as protection against loss of income.
In either case, to receive these long term disability benefits for Parkinsons disease, you need to meet your plan or policys definition of disability. This generally requires that, due to sickness or injury, you are now unable to perform the duties of your own occupation or another occupation.
Your insurance company may not fully understand the impact that Parkinsons disease can have on a person over time, both physically and cognitively. Claim examiners may not appreciate how is it that you have been able to work for years with PD and now suddenly you cannot.
Our attorneys do understand. We also know what it takes to submit a strong LTD insurance claim to prove disability for Parkinsons or file an appeal that will stand up in court.
We prepare for the tactics insurers use to avoid having to pay monthly benefits. Here are a few:
Chemical Exposure & Parkinsons Disease
Of the chemicals that have been most suspected risk factors for Parkinsons, TCE holds the most proof of causing Parkinsons. A colorless, non-flammable halocarbon, trichloroethylene dissolves most fixed and volatile oils. It is a powerful solvent action for fats, greases, waxes, oils, and tars. Type 1 TCE is used in dry-cleaning and for general solvent purposes. Type 2 TCE is used for vapor degreasing of metals. Over 90 percent of TCE is consumed by the metal degreasing and dry-cleaning trades.Studies of discordant twins, as well as experiments in laboratories, have shown that people chronically exposed to TCE were more likely to develop Parkinsons than the those who had not.
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Documenting Restrictions And Limitations From Parkinsons Disease
The Parkinsons Action Network has created a form to assist individuals with Parkinsons in documenting their restrictions, limitations and physical complaints. While this form is very helpful, you must consider your insurance policys specific definition of disability when completing the form. Additionally, all disability insurance companies have their own forms that they require. Contact our office for assistance with your long-term disability application.
The more documentation you have relating to your disability, the stronger your case will be. This includes records of symptoms, treatments, doctor visitations, medication and time off from work, and a detailed occupational description of your pre-disability job. Include dates and descriptions.
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.
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The Benefit Of Hiring An Attorney
Having your claim denied when you know youre rightfully owed benefits can be frustrating and upsetting, to say the least. Hiring the right attorney can significantly benefit the outcome of your appeal.
After your second appeal, youll need to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. During your hearing, a vocational expert will question you. Some of the questions you may be asked are as follows:
- How does your ailment impact your balance and your capacity to stand for several hours?
- Are your slower motions impacting your working productivity? Why?
- Has your PD impacted your memory and your capacity to accomplish goals?
Your attorney will help you prepare for your hearing so youre not caught off guard with any of the questions that are asked. Additionally, your attorney will help you gather the proper evidence to help back up your claim.
A Lawyer Experienced In Disability Insurance Laws And Parkinsons Disease Can Provide The Support You Need
Group LTD claims fall under federal ERISA law. When a group claim is denied, the information you present in your appeal to the insurance company will also be the basis for a potential lawsuit against the insurance company. An experienced ERISA lawyer is essential to your case.
In a private disability benefits claim denial based on Parkinsons disease, state contract and bad faith laws prevail. In each case, our experienced attorneys are prepared to review your claim, explain your legal options, and help you get the compensation you deserve.
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How Does Social Security Decide That Im Disabled
Social Security manages two disability programs:; Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income .; Caseworkers refer to Social Securitys Listing of Impairments to decide whether someone is disabled or not.
The Listing includes many diseases and disorders. Also, the Listing states what proof Social Security will need to make its decision.
Under Section 11.06 Neurological, someone might be considered disabled if they meet one of the following criteria for at least three months:
Motor function disorganization in two extremities that make it extremely difficult to stand, balance, walk, or use the upper extremities.
Very limited physical functioning and certain cognitive difficulties.
Of course, Social Security will want to see documentation from your healthcare providers. When you apply, your attorney can help you submit the proper supporting documents.