This post discusses Vertigo and SSI (Supplemental Security Income). If Vertigo is preventing you from working read on for how SSA will evaluate your claim for benefits.
Vertigo is the sensation of spinning (dizzy spells). The symptoms of vertigo are similar to someone trapped in a blender: spinning, tilting, loss of balance, nausea, headache, ringing in the ears, and more. Unfortunately, falls are common in my clients with vertigo.
The most common cause of vertigo is an inner ear problem. BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), Meniere's Disease and Vestibular neuritis are common causes of inner ear issues. Via WebMD.
BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) - brief episodes of mild to severe dizziness. The cause is usually difficult to determine but when determined it is usually associated with a blow to the head. Canalith repositioning and surgery are both options for treatment. Via The Mayo Clinic.
Meniere's Disease - usually only affects one ear. Meniere's is caused by the buildup of fluid in the compartments of the inner ear. The exact cause is unknown but Meniere's does seem to be hereditary. Other possible causes are viral infection, an autoimmune response or allergies. Medications to help with dizziness, diuretics, injections and surgeries are treatment options. Via National Institutes of Health.
Vestibular neuritis (or labyrinthitis) - are caused by an infection of the inner ear or the nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation disrupts the transmission of sensory information from the ear to the brain. Balance, vision, or hearing may be affected. Via The Vestibular Disorder Association.
The Social Security Administration addresses vertigo at Listing 2.07, Disturbance of labyrinthine-vestibular function (Including Ménière's disease). This listing requires frequent attacks of balance disturbance, tinnitus, and progressive loss of hearing with (both A and B): A. Disturbed function of vestibular labyrinth demonstrated by caloric or other vestibular tests; and B. Hearing loss established by audiometry.
But what if you don't meet this listing? The above listing is just one of the ways Social Security could evaluate your claim. The real question is how severe is your vertigo? You may not meet the above listing but still have falls and dizzy spells that would eliminate the possibility of work for you. If you are unable to work because of your vertigo, file a claim for SSI/SSDI as soon as possible and call The Bishop Law Firm.
This post was last updated in June 2018.
Resources:
- https://www.disabilitylawfirmnc.com/social-security-disability/?swcfpc=1#Types_of_Social_Security_Disability_Benefits
- http://www.webmd.com/brain/vertigo-symptoms-causes-treatment
- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vertigo/basics/definition/con-20028216
- http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/balance/pages/meniere.aspx
- http://vestibular.org/labyrinthitis-and-vestibular-neuritis
- http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/2.00-SpecialSensesandSpeech-Adult.htm#2_07
