As with many disabilities, it can be difficult to win a claim for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits for seizure disorders. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires that you have documentation of frequent seizures that interfere with your ability to work.
For those who may need to apply for SSD benefits, the following checklist can help make sure your condition is well-documented so that you have a better chance of getting the benefits you need.
See Your Doctor After Each Seizure Episode
The SSA will evaluate the severity of your condition based on how often your seizures occur. Although it may seem like making a trip after every frequent seizure will require a lot of time spent waiting in hospital and doctors offices, it is important. Without these doctors visits you will not have the necessary documentation in your medical records.
Your doctor will also be able to detect any post-seizure effects and document them in your record.
Keep a Diary of Your Seizures
Keep a personal record of every seizure experience so you can corroborate information from doctors, family and friends. Although this documentation will never replace a medical record, it may still be reviewed by the SSA and can strengthen your claim.
Keep Friends and Family Updated About the Frequency of Your Seizures
Disability claims examiners often call applicants to obtain more information about their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL). They may also make similar calls to your family and friends. These calls provide further evidence of the extent of your disability and can be used to justify a denial. The more your friends and family know about the debilitating effects of your condition, the better.
Use Your Medications as Directed by Your Doctor
Often, when a medication is prescribed, it can validate the severity of your seizure disorder. However, if the claims examiner sees that a medication has been prescribed but not taken as directed, it can severely hurt your claim. It brings forward questions about your condition. Your claim will most likely be denied in this situation.
If you are struggling to gain disability benefits for your seizure disorder, contact our experienced team of Phoenix disability benefits lawyers. We can help you appeal your claim and work toward getting you the help you need.
Call 1-800-503-2000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form today.