Social Security Disability and Epilepsy

Do you have Epilepsy and want to get disability benefits?

If yes, you need to know a few vital points while applying for Social Security disability benefits. You have to most importantly, ensure you satisfy the listing for Epilepsy and follow some tips to get approved.

Read on for some helpful ideas, or hire a Burbank social security benefits lawyer to help you with the application process.

Can You Get Disability Benefits when You have Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is considered a disability by the Social Security Administration because it can make a person unable to work regularly.

People with Epilepsy experience convulsive or non-convulsive seizures that make them unable to control particular bodily functions for a few critical minutes. It can also cause other symptoms like:

• Loss of consciousness
• Fatigue and sleepiness
• Inability to stay focused
• Aphasia or communication problems
• Confusion
• Psychological problems like anxiety and fear

These symptoms limit the functions or tasks that a person can do. These also expose them to dangerous situations like experiencing seizures while driving.

These factors make people with Epilepsy eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits. However, you have to satisfy the Blue Book listing criteria to qualify.

Qualifications of the Blue Book Listing for Epilepsy

Your Epilepsy must be severe enough for you to qualify for disability benefits. You can refer to the Blue Book Listings as a general guide:

1. Convulsive Seizures (Listing 11.02)

You experience daytime seizures that result in convulsion or loss of consciousness. You may also suffer from nighttime attacks that result in adverse effects during the day, like sleepiness, confusion, and movement difficulties.

Moreover, you must be on an anti-seizure medication for at least three months before the application process. And you continue to experience seizures fort at least once a month despite taking medication.

2. Non-Convulsive Seizures (Listing 11.03)

You experience daytime or nighttime seizures that result in critical issues that affect your daytime activities.

And despite taking anti-seizure medications for at least three months, you still get seizures once a week.

It is better to consult your doctor about these listings for clarifications. Besides, you need to secure the correct medical documents from them to prove your condition’s severity.

Qualifying through Residual Functional Capacity Analysis

The Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) analysis can prove your eligibility for disability benefits even if you don’t pass the Blue Book listings.

The RFC will estimate the limitations you experience because of Epilepsy. It also proves to the SSA that you can’t maintain a regular job because of your condition.

For instance, it can prove that Epilepsy makes some tasks unsafe for you, like driving and working on heights.

Another example is proving that you experience severe communication difficulties because of seizures.

Your physician will help you fill in the RFC form. Your family, friends, and coworkers may also need to fill in a document as witnesses to prove you experience limited functions.

How to Apply for Disability Benefits

Remember these points while applying for Social Security disability benefits:

1. Collect documents proving the severe disability you experience. It may include medical reports, prescriptions, the RFC form, and your doctor’s testimony witnessing your seizure.
2. Remember to be careful, consistent, honest, and detailed throughout the application process. You should present as much relevant information as possible to the SSA.
3. You can apply online or by visiting a local SSA office. However, you can only apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if you go online. You can apply for Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) in an SSA office.

Call a Social Security Benefits Attorney in Burbank for Your Benefits Application

Applying for disability benefits can be challenging.

However, getting approved by the SSA can help you a lot financially as you face your debilitating condition. Hiring a reliable Burbank social security benefits lawyer proves helpful through the application process.