Many who are not affected may not realize it, but epilepsy can be debilitating for those who suffer. More than 2 million people across the United States are impacted by this illness each year. In many severe cases, the sufferer can likely qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration.
Although many people can live normal lives with epilepsy, many can experience multiple seizures that seemingly come out of nowhere, resulting head trauma and brain injuries. CNN recently posted an article which said that the cause is unidentifiable in half of the cases of epilepsy and said the symptoms can vary from a blank stare during a seizure to repeated twitching of arms and legs.
The Social Security Administration said in order to obtain SSA disability benefits, claimants must have the type, frequency and duration of their seizures documented, which must include at least one electroencephalogram and one detailed description of the pattern. When you are trying to apply for SSA benefits, it is important to have regular visits to the doctor who can show the courts just how debilitating this ailment is.
Our office has successfully represented numerous clients suffering from epilepsy in their effort to obtain SSA disability benefits. It’s important for clients to keep a seizure log, which can be helpful in documenting the frequency and severity of their seizures. Additionally, supportive medical records and taking the appropriate seizure medications can be critical in convincing the judge of the severity of symptoms.
