Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Anterior Poliomyelitis (Polio)
Anterior poliomyelitis, more commonly known as Polio, is an illness caused by a virus that mainly affects nerves in the spinal cord or brain stem. In its most severe form, polio can lead to a person being unable to move certain limbs, also called paralysis. It can also lead to trouble breathing and sometimes death. The disease also is called poliomyelitis.
A vaccination effort throughout the world has led to only a small number of cases to occur around the world in recent years. But poliovirus still spreads within areas with low vaccination rates.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes travel notices of countries where there is a higher risk of polio. Countries at a higher risk of polio are generally in Africa, the Middle East, and southern and central Asia. Vaccinated adults who plan to travel to an area where polio is spreading should get a booster dose of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV). Immunity after a booster lasts a lifetime. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 1.00 of the Blue Book.
Does Anterior Poliomyelitis Qualify for Disability?
Fortunately, there has been little need for people to apply for Social Security disability with an anterior poliomyelitis diagnosis in the United States because our country has not had a naturally occurring case of the disease in over 30 years. However, if you should find yourself in the unfortunate position of having your child or yourself come down with anterior poliomyelitis, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
The specifics of qualifying for disability benefits with anterior poliomyelitis are covered in the Social Security Administration’s Listing of Impairments Manual, more colloquially called the Blue Book. They can be found in Sections 11.00, which gives general information about how the SSA adjudicates neurological disorders, in Section 11.11, which deals specifically with anterior poliomyelitis, and in Section 11.04B, which is used to define complete disability for most neurological disorders that result in the loss of motor function.
To qualify for Social Security disability Insurance or Supplemental Security income, you must have one or more of the following conditions resulting from anterior poliomyelitis:
- Constant breathing or swallowing problems.
- Loss or lack of ability to speak intelligibly.
- Loss of effective use of two or more limbs (arms, hands, feet, legs).
When you apply for disability benefits, whether on your own behalf or for your child with anterior poliomyelitis, make sure to have all medical documentation that has led to the diagnosis. In most cases, a polio diagnosis is a fairly simple matter, as the disease is readily recognized by the rapid deterioration of the affected limb(s).
How Do I Apply for Disability Benefits?
To apply for disability benefits, it’s important to understand the disability application process. If you’ve been diagnosed with anterior poliomyelitis and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
