Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Epilepsy
Epilepsy, also known as a seizure disorder, is a brain condition that causes recurring seizures. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 3.4 million people in the United States have epilepsy. Because epilepsy is caused by certain activity in the brain, seizures can affect any brain process. Common seizure symptoms include: temporary confusion, a staring spell, stiff muscles, and uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs.
Having a single seizure doesn’t mean you have epilepsy. Epilepsy is diagnosed if you’ve had at least two unprovoked seizures at least 24 hours apart. Treatment with medicines or sometimes surgery can control seizures for most people with epilepsy, however some people require lifelong treatment. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 11.00 of the Blue Book.
Does Epilepsy Qualify for Disability?
Yes, people with epilepsy do qualify, but they need to meet one or more of the SSA’s following four criteria:
1. You have experienced tonic-clonic seizures at least once a month for at least three consecutive months, even though you’re following a prescribed treatment plan.
2. You experience dyscognitive seizures that have occurred at least once a week for three or more consecutive months, even though you’re following a prescribed treatment plan.
3. You have suffered from generalized tonic-clonic seizures once every two months (or more frequently) for four or more consecutive months. These have occurred even though you’re on a treatment plan. You also experience limitation in at least one of the following:
- Your physical functioning
- You ability to understand, remember, or apply information
- You ability to concentrate, persist, or maintain a pace
- Interacting with others
- Adapting or managing oneself
4. You have experienced dyscognitive seizures at least once every two weeks for three or more consecutive months, while on a treatment plan. You also have limitations in at least one of the following:
- Your physical functioning
- You ability to understand, remember, or apply information
- You ability to concentrate, persist, or maintain a pace
- Interacting with others
- Adapting or managing oneself
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 epilepsy and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
