Stroke and Social Security Disability Benefits

Chicago Social Security Disability Application Attorney

What Is A Stroke?

Cerebrovascular accident, more commonly known as a stroke is the loss of brain function due to a disturbance in the blood flow to the brain. The disturbance of blood flow to the brain can be ischemic (lack of blood flow) or hemorrhage (leakage of blood). Regardless of whether it is ischemic or a hemorrhage, the particular affected area is unable to function, causing impaired vision, speech, or mobility. If you have suffered a stroke and are unable to work due to its debilitating effects, feel free to fill out our online no obligation free consultation, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits (whether SSDI or SSI).

Can I Get Social Security Disability Benefits If I Had A Stroke?

A stroke is absolutely recognized by the Social Security Administration! If a stroke prevents you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. When you apply for disability benefits after having a stroke, the Social Security Administration will first determine whether your condition is severe enough to meet a listing. If you meet a listing you will be found disabled. If you do not meet a listing, the Social Security Administration will then evaluate your residual functional capacity (the most work that you can do despite your medical condition(s)) and then determine whether your entitled to disability benefits.

Is There A Specific Stroke Listing?

The Social Security Administration recognizes strokes under Listing of Impairments 11.04: Central nervous system vascular accident, which can be found on the Social Security Administration website. However, because most of the listing is structured using medical terminology, it can be quite difficult to determine whether you will meet the stroke listing. If you or a family member suffered a stroke and are unable to work and want to know more about whether you might qualify for Social Security disability benefits (either SSDI or SSI), contact Pearson Disability Law, LLC for a free consultation at 312-999-0999.

If I Do Not Meet The Listing, Is There Another Way To get Social Security Disability Benefits?

Yes! If you do not meet Listing 11.04 and the effects of a stroke are preventing you from working, you may still qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

The Social Security Administration will proceed with your case by evaluating your Residual Functional Capacity. To do this, the Administration will determine the most amount of work that you can do despite your limitations. They do this by dividing “work” into four different categories: heavy, medium, light, and sedentary. It is worth noting that there is sometimes a fifth category that is recognized for very heavy work; however, very heavy work is scarcely used. Whether a claimant wins his or her disability claim is greatly affected by which category he or she is ultimately put into. Being put into a lower category increases the likelihood that a claim is approved for Social Security disability benefits.