Can I Get SSDI Benefits for Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological condition which causes the affected person to have seizures which may be of varying degrees in terms of severity. Epilepsy may be caused by injury to the brain or might be the result of a family tendency. Seizures are only one aspect of the condition; individuals suffering from epilepsy may also exhibit other problems associated with neurological disturbances.

Epilepsy is eligible for disability aid and individuals can apply for SSDI benefits. Together with the seizures, epilepsy renders the individual incapable of maintaining a steady job. Other factors that follow seizures, such as tiredness and fatigue, mean that the individual cannot carry out other activities that are considered ordinary for others. These may include normal waking tasks as well. As a result, SSDI benefits are applicable to epilepsy. However, as with all SSDI claims, the application must follow procedure, adhere to the regulations as closely as possible, and provide all required medical records, including medical treatments taken, being undertaken, proof of the beginning of the epilepsy, etc.

Note that epilepsy may be controlled with medication in some individuals, but the cost of these medicines, as well as money lost due to interrupted work, is enormous. For those with epilepsy that cannot be medically controlled, unpredictable seizures make employment or maintaining a livelihood difficult. What Qualifies for Disability Benefits in the Case of Epilepsy?

Individuals with both convulsive and non-convulsive epilepsy can receive benefits. The application must be accompanied by a doctor’s or a caregiver’s treatment instructions.

Convulsive Seizures: Individuals can qualify for SSDI benefits for epilepsy if they have daytime seizures resulting in loss of consciousness or night seizures that make it impossible to stay awake during the day or continue with physical work and chores. The seizures also interfere with the analytical skills, resulting in other problem behavior as well.

Additionally, the applicant should possess records showing that the seizures occur once a month and that they have been taking medication for a period of three months, at least.

Non Convulsive Seizures: The qualifying rules are similar to those for convulsive seizures, with seizures occurring both in daytime and night being eligible.

If your epilepsy does not match either of the above types, you may still qualify for SSDI benefits through a Residual Functional Capacity analysis. In this case, your doctor is asked to fill out functional reports; caregivers, friends, and family may be asked to provide reports on how the illness affects your ability to carry out everyday tasks. Check out more details on what qualifies for disability benefits before you set out to apply.

Hire a Professional

Filing for SSDI benefits demands an understanding of both your illness or condition, as well as the qualifying requirements demanded by the Social Service Authority in granting these benefits.

The legal landscape can be a complicated and confusing one for someone not qualified for it. Hiring a Social Security Disability attorney is one of the best ways to ensure SSDI benefits for epilepsy. Professionals understand the law as well as how to best approach each case. Apart from practical aspects such as accuracy and thoroughness in form filing, professionals are also more aware of how best to present your case and the options available for atypical medical conditions.