Social security disability

Posted On May 5, 2020

Patients with neurological problems frequently have to apply for social security disability and were turned down. It will be helpful for physicians to have some basic understanding of how disability is determined, so that the necessary information is documented on the medical record.

Links to SSA

• Social security disability general info
• Listing of impairments
  • Adult Listing part A by organ system
    • Special senses and speech
    • Neurological
    • Mental disorders

Neurological disorders

The following is a synopsis of the information on the SS website, please read the original writings for accuracy.

• Needs following evidence
  • Medical
    • Medical history and exam
    • Tests results
  • Non-medical evidence
    • Statements from patient and others on the impairment, restriction, daily activities, efforts to work
  • Adherence to treatment
    • for 3 months, impairment continues

Specific neuro condition

Aphasia

• sensory or motor aphasia: (Receptive or expressive aphasia)
  • Ineffective speech or communication means
    • extreme limitation in ability to understand or convey message in simple spoken language resulting in inability to demonstrate basic communication skills, such as following one-step commands or telling someone about your basic personal needs without assistance.

Seizure

• documented by a detailed description of a typical seizure and 1 of the following
  • Generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTC), adherence to prescribed treatment
    • at least 1/month x 3 consecutive months or
    • at least 1 every 2 months for at least 4 consecutive months and a marked limitation in one of the follow
      • Physical functioning; or
      • understanding, remembering, or
      • applying information or
      • Interacting with others or
      • Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace or
      • Adapting or managing oneself

• Dyscognitive seizures (partial complex seizure), adherence to prescribed treatment and
  • 1 per week for at least 3 consecutive months
  • 1 every 2 weeks for at least 3 consecutive months and a marked limitation in one of the following:
    • Physical functioning; or
    • Understanding, remembering, or applying information or
    • Interacting with others or
    • Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace or
    • Adapting or managing oneself.