Blog written by: Eric Minghella, emm@ssd-help.org
Parkinson’s disease typically affects older people, but if you haven’t yet reached the age where you want to retire and you’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease you can apply for Social Security disability benefits. If the symptoms of Parkinson’s are so bad that you can’t work any longer and you expect that you won’t be able to work for at least a year but you have work credits you are eligible for Social Security disability benefits.
What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease commonly affects older people, but it can be diagnosed in people who are still working. More than 500,000 Americans are currently living with Parkinson’s disease. That number is expected to increase dramatically in the next ten years. Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that attacks the central nervous system. It’s a progressive disease, and there is no cure. The most common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are:
• Tremors
• Bradykinesia
• Rigid muscles
• Impaired gait and balance
• Muscle stiffness
• Impaired posture
• Loss of automatic movements
• Speech changes
• Writing changes
When you apply for Social Security disability benefits with Parkinson’s disease it’s important to have as much medical evidence as you can that shows how severe your symptoms are.
Qualifying For Disability Benefits with Parkinson’s Disease
When you apply for Social Security disability benefits you must be able to show evidence that you have been diagnosed with a medical condition that is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book. And you will also need to submit evidence showing that you meet the requirements for that condition that are listed in the Blue Book. To qualify for disability benefits due to Parkinson’s disease you will have to submit a letter of diagnosis from a doctor and medical evidence showing that you meet at least one of these requirements:
You must have an inability to control the movement of at least two extremities (either an arm and a leg or two arms or two legs), despite at least three months of treatment. This must result in extreme difficulty in the ability to balance while standing or walking, to stand up from a seated position, or to use the arms.
OR
You must have marked or severe physical problems along with a severe or marked limitation in any one of the following:
• thinking (understanding, remembering, or applying information)
• interacting with others (social problems), or
• finishing tasks (problems with concentration, persistence, or speed).
The medical evidence that you submit is very important. You should submit all of your medical records and things like MRI scans, X-rays, blood tests, and any other medical tests that show the severity of your condition. You also should include an RFC with your application.
Qualifying With An RFC
An RFC form can help your approval chances. The RFC is a form that your doctor must fill out for you that documents all of your symptoms. Your doctor should describe in detail what your symptoms are and how exactly they make it impossible for you to work. For example, if tremors make it impossible for you to drive, type, write, or push buttons that is something your doctor should document in the RFC.
Applying For Disability With Parkinson’s You can apply for Social Security disability benefits online through the SSA’s website. Or, if you need help with the application, you can make an appointment at your local SSA office. Bring your medical records and other documents and someone there can help you fill out and submit your application for Social Security disability benefits.
Sources Found Via:
https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons
https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/
https://www.disability-benefits-help.org/disabling-conditions/parkinsons-disease-and-social-security-disability
https://www.disability-benefits-help.org/faq/residual-functional-capacity https://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/