Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes severe dizziness (vertigo), ringing in the ears (tinnitus), hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness or congestion in the ear. Meniere’s disease can develop at any age, but it is more likely to happen to adults between 40 and 60 years of age. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) estimates that approximately 615,000 individuals in the United States are currently diagnosed with Meniere’s disease and that 45,500 cases are newly diagnosed each year. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 2.00 of the Blue Book.
Does Meniere’s Disease Qualify for Disability?
You may qualify for Social Security disability if you meet the requirements of Section 2.07 of the Listing of Impairments. Meniere’s disease is explicitly included in Section 2.07 which covers disturbances of labyrinthine-vestibular function. Pursuant to this section, you may qualify for Social Security disability if all three of the following are true:
- You have frequent episodes of balance disturbance, and progressive hearing loss.
- Your disturbed function of vestibular labyrinth is demonstrated by caloric or other vestibular tests.
- Your hearing loss is established by audiometry.
If you do not meet the requirements of Section 2.07 and you cannot work, you will need to prove to the Social Security Administration that your residual functional capacity is reduced to the point where you can no longer work.
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 Meniere’s disease and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
