Social Security Disability Benefits for Alzheimer’s Patients
Alzheimer’s is a neurological condition (degenerative) where progressive cognitive decline is the resulting outcome. While most cases occur due to random factors, genetics can also be attributed to be an important aspect. The first and foremost symptom of this condition is short term memory loss which deepens and worsens further with age. With the passage of time, Alzheimer’s disease gradually affects every part of the body and causes problems with behavior, recognition ahttp://lawssd.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=60&action=editbilities, problem solving and speech. The later stages are characterized by an inability to feed oneself, lack of cognitive capacity, incontinence and inability to walk. Medications and other therapies help in improving the quality of life and declining the progression of the disease.
If you are younger than 65 years and hold previous work experience, you may be eligible for social security disability (SSD) insurance benefits. With the help of an experienced disability attorney, you can have your claim effectively represented and also recover benefits that you or your loved ones are eligible for.
Winning your disability claim on the basis of Alzheimer’s
The disability evaluation system of the social security administration does not pertain to a claimant’s diagnosis. Instead, it focuses on the claimant’s functional limitations. Simply put, the chief consideration is not the name of the condition. The primary concern is how the condition limits and affects the individual. Therefore, disability benefits can be won depending upon any condition provided the condition is adequately limiting. However, there are certain qualifying symptoms for Alzheimer’s and when they are proved; winning your claim becomes easier.
Claimants who apply for social security disability or SSD benefits for Alzheimer’s are usually approved for symptoms that are common to dementia and other disabilities related to mental health. These symptoms include the following
(1) Decompensation episodes where there is an increase in symptoms and signs along with a loss of functioning. These aspects result in difficulties in performing routine activities, persistence while performing activities, retarded ability to maintain focus and concentration and lack of ability to maintain social relationships.
(2) Activities that demand relocation or increase in medication so as to create a less stressful condition.
(3) Medical records that demonstrate the need to a significant increase in treatment or for a well structured psychological support system.
(4) At least three such episodes must be documented in a span of one year (one every four months on an average) and should last for a minimum of two weeks. When your episodes vary in length and frequency, your disability attorney will facilitate in determining if the episodes are of equal severity.
When your current condition has prevented or continues to prohibit you from engaging in substantial employment activity for a period of at least twelve consecutive months, you become eligible for SSD insurance benefits. Your social security disability lawyer can help to determine if your condition is likely to result in a successful claim. Your attorney can assist in gathering all medical records and documentation necessary for supporting your claim. Therefore, professional assistance is of paramount importance in every SSD insurance claim because of the large number of rejections faced by initial claims.
