Can You Qualify for Social Security Disability If You Have a Neurological Disorder?

On September 29, 2016, the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) revised listings for neurological disorders went into effect. If you suffer from a neurological condition, it is important to understand what the new listing of impairments includes and to get the help of an experienced Social Security disability lawyer if you are going to apply for benefits.

Listing 11.00: Neurological Disorders

The SSA describes the neurological disorders, illnesses, and conditions that may qualify a person for Social Security disability benefits in Section 11.00 of the Listing of Impairments. Some of the specific conditions included in the revised listing that went into effect in September 2016 include:

• Epilepsy (Section 11.02)
• Vascular insult to the brain (Section 11.04)
• Benign brain tumors (Section 11.05)
• Parkinsonian Syndrome (Section 11.06)
• Cerebral Palsy (Section 11.07)
• Spinal cord disorders (Section 11.08)
• Multiple sclerosis (Section 11.09)
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – ALS (Section 11.10)
• Post-polio syndrome (Section 11.11)
• Myasthenia gravis (Section 11.12)
• Muscular dystrophy (Section 11.13)
• Peripheral neuropathy (Section 11.15)
• Neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system, such as Huntington’s disease, Friedreich’s ataxia, and spinocerebellar degeneration (Section 11.17)
• Traumatic brain injury (Section 11.18)
• Coma or persistent vegetative state (Section 11.20)
• Motor neuron disorders other than ALS (Section 11.22)

Additionally, the beginning of the listing addresses important questions for any person suffering from a neurological condition who may be considering Social Security benefits. Those questions include:

• Which neurological conditions are included in this section?
• What medical and non-medical evidence do you need to document your neurological condition?
• What does “adherence to a prescribed treatment plan” mean for people with neurological disorders?
• What does disorganization of motor function mean?
• How are communication impairments evaluated?
• What is meant by bulbar and neuromuscular dysfunction?
• How are limitations in physical and mental functioning evaluated?
• What are symptoms of fatigue?
• How are each of the specific conditions included in this Listing evaluated?
• How are neurological conditions not included in this Listing evaluated?

If you or a loved one suffers from a neurological condition, we encourage you to review Section 11 of the Listing of Impairments, to read our FREE report, Social Security Disability: What You Need to Know, and to call us at your convenience to discuss how best to protect your rights to a fair Social Security disability determination.

by Paul B. Burkhalter
Managing Partner of Morgan & Weisbrod, Board Certified in Social Security Disability Law.

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