Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Cerebral Trauma (TBI)
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious medical issue that affects how your brain works. You can get a TBI from a hard bump or jolt to your head or if you’re hit with something that penetrates your skull. Traumatic brain injuries are a major cause of death and disability in the U.S. They can cause short-term and long-term medical issues that can affect every part of your life.
Traumatic brain injury affects thousands of people in the U.S. every year. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 11.18 of the Blue Book.
Does Cerebral Trauma Qualify for Disability?
The SSA recognizes traumatic brain injury as an impairment under Section 11.18 in its Blue Book. In order to qualify for benefits under the listing, your medical records must document that you experience:
A. Disorganization of motor function in two extremities, resulting in an extreme limitation in the ability to stand up from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, or use the upper extremities, persisting for at least 3 consecutive months after the injury.
OR
B. Marked limitation in physical functioning, and in one of the following areas of mental functioning, persisting for at least 3 consecutive months after the injury:
- Understanding, remembering, or applying information; or
- Interacting with others; or
- Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace; or
- Adapting or managing oneself.
It’s very important to provide documentation of all medical treatment and physical and mental limitations resulting from your TBI to Social Security including emergency room records, notes from medical providers, x-rays, CT scan and MRI results, neuropsychological testing results and statements from family, friends, co-workers and employers.
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 cerebral trauma and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
