This post discusses Social Security Disability benefits for stroke (cerebrovascular accident or CVA). Strokes are a leading cause of death in the United States. According to the CDC, on average, one American dies from stroke every 4 minutes. If you or a loved one begins to experience stroke symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Stroke symptoms include: sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body; sudden vision changes; sudden trouble speaking; sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements; sudden problems with walking or balance or sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches. Stroke symptoms are determined by the cause of the stroke: blood clot ( ischemic) or bleeding (hemorrhagic) and what part of the brain is affected.
Post-stroke you may have issues with memory, confusion, communicating, moving, going to the restroom, eating and more. Many stroke victims suffer emotional disturbances due to the trauma. The severity of your post-stroke symptoms depends on how severe your stroke was and what part of your brain was affected. Rehabilitation should start as soon as you are stable.
The Social Security Administration evaluates strokes under 11.04 Central nervous system vascular accident. This listing requires one of the following more than 3 months post-vascular accident: sensory or motor aphasia resulting in ineffective speech or communication; OR significant and persistent disorganization of motor function in two extremities, resulting in sustained disturbance of gross and dexterous movements, or gait and station.
Even if you do not meet the above listing, the symptoms from your stroke may preclude work for you. But your stroke symptoms have to negatively affect your ability to work for at least 12 months to even meet the Social Security's Administration's basic definition of disability. Recovery times vary but many people recover from strokes in less than a year precluding them from receiving Social Security Disability Benefits for that time.
If you or a loved one have suffered a stroke and are unable to work, file your claim for Social Security Disability Benefits as soon as possible. Rehabilitation can be a difficult process and you do not know how long it will take you to recover.
Resources:
- https://www.disabilitylawfirmnc.com/social-security-disability/?swcfpc=1#Types_of_Social_Security_Disability_Benefits
- http://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm
- http://www.webmd.com/stroke/tc/stroke-symptoms
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/in-depth/stroke-rehabilitation/art-20045172
- http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/11.00-Neurological-Adult.htm#11_04
- http://www.ssa.gov/redbook/eng/definedisability.htm#a0=0
- https://www.disabilitylawfirmnc.com/how-do-i-apply-for-social-security-disability/
