Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Dizziness
Dizziness can range from fleeting faintness to a severe balance disorder that makes normal functioning impossible. Among adults over age 65, up to 30 percent experience dizziness. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 2.00 of the Blue Book.
Does Dizziness Qualify for Disability?
While vertigo and dizziness are not specifically listed as individual conditions, you could potentially qualify under Section 2.07, which deals with general “disturbance of labyrinthine-vestibular function, including Meniere’s Disease.”
In order to qualify, your illness must be both (1) “characterized by a history of frequent attacks of balance disturbance, tinnitus, and progressive loss of hearing,” and (2) joined by both of the following effects:
- “Disturbed function of vestibular labyrinth demonstrated by caloric or other vestibular tests.”
- “Hearing loss established by audiometry.” An audiometry exam is simply an exam that tests your hearing abilities, like the tone tests you might have received as a child in school.
Like any disability claimant, you should be prepared for extensive medical reviews, and will be required to supply medical evidence from your physician. To use the SSA’s own words, “The diagnosis of a vestibular disorder requires a comprehensive neuro-otolaryngologic (inner ear) examination with a detailed description of the vertiginous episodes, including notation of frequency, severity, and duration of the attacks.” Acceptable medical evidence includes x-rays, CAT scans, and MRIs.
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 dizziness and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
