Stroke survivors know just how life-altering having an emergent health crisis such as a stroke can be. In the blink of an eye and typically without warning, a person’s life can change forever.
For those lucky enough to survive a stroke, the road ahead may feel long and bumpy.
Thankfully, there are many local and state resources available to stroke survivors in Louisiana.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has developed disability programs to assist individuals who are unable to work as a result of a permanent health condition, such as a stroke.
Neurologists in Louisiana
If you have suffered a stroke, one of the first health care professionals to help you was likely a neurologist.
Neurologists are physician experts who specialize in health conditions related to the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. They are the leading health experts when it comes to stroke care and recovery.
Not only does your neurologist lead your health care team, but he or she also plays a vital role in helping you access the resources that you need following your stroke.
Your neurologist will play an integral part in assisting you with your stroke disability claim.
When applying for disability benefits from the SSA, you will be asked to provide a substantial amount of medical documentation related to your health condition.
As the SSA places an enormous amount of weight on the opinion of medical experts, the medical records and subsequent opinion provided by your neurologist is critical.
Therefore, it is imperative that you establish a strong working relationship with your neurologist.
In the unlikely event that you do not have an established relationship with a neurologist, consider contacting one of the following practices in Louisiana:
Ochsner Health Systems
Comprehensive Stroke Center
1514 Jefferson Hwy
New Orleans, LA 70121
(866) 624-7637
https://www.ochsner.org/services/vascular-neurology-stroke
The NeuroMedical Center
10101 Park Rowe Avenue
1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Floor
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
(225) 769-2200
http://www.theneuromedicalcenter.com/stroke/
LSU Health Shreveport
1501 Kings Highway
P.O. Box 33932
Shreveport, LA 71130-3932
(318) 675-4941
http://www.lsuhscshreveport.edu/departments/ClinicalDepartments/neurology
Stroke Support Groups
Research has shown that family and community support following a health crisis is critical for healing. Individuals who have a strong support network in place following a health emergency show improved outcomes.
While friends and family can be offer support following a stroke, they may not be able to fill all of your needs.
Many stroke survivors have found great relief in joining a stroke support group.
Stroke support groups help to connect you to others who have had similar experiences. They provide an excellent forum for learning, sharing, and empathizing with others.
Listed below are three stroke support groups within the state of Louisiana.
Ochsner Rehab Stroke Survivors Network
Meets Every 3rd Wednesday from 3:00 to 4:00 pm
4th Floor, Day Room
2614 Jefferson Highway
New Orleans, LA 70121
(504) 291-5107
Stroke Support Group
Meets Every 1st Thursday at 12:15 pm
Wellness Center at Baton Rouge General Medical Center
3600 Florida Blvd
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
(225) 381-6389
Stroke Support Group
Meets Every 2nd Tuesday at 2:00 pm
Willis Knighton Medical Center, Steen Hall
5126 Tallow Lane
Bossier City, LA 71111
(318) 752-3138
Applying for Social Security Disability for Stroke in Louisiana
Stroke survivors within the state of Louisiana may find relief through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program.
SSDI was developed to offer financial assistance to individuals who have become permanently disabled as a result of a significant health crisis, such as a stroke.
To be considered disabled, you will need to meet precise criteria as outlined by the SSA. The SSA will refer to its list of impairments, also called the Blue Book, to determine if your condition is severe enough to meet the listing.
For more information on the medical criteria required to be approved for SSDI benefits, you should review section11.04 of the Blue Book with your neurologist.
As with all conditions listed in the Blue Book, you will need to prove that the residual impairments from your stroke will leave you unable to work for at least one year.
Further, the SSA will not consider stroke claims until a full three months have passed since your injury. After all, many stroke survivors make incredible gains during the first few months after having a stroke.
The SSA will want to see what the long-term impacts of your stroke will have on your ability to work before making a determination on your claim.
If you are expected to be disabled for at least a year, and if a full three months have passed since your cerebrovascular accident (CVA), you can apply for disability benefits online or by visiting one of the several Social Security offices in Louisiana.
New Orleans Social Security Office 70130
400 Poydras Street Suite 500
New Orleans, LA 70130
(800) 772-1213
Baton Rouge Social Security Office 70808
5455 Bankers Ave
Baton Rouge, LA70808
(866) 613-3070
Shreveport Social Security Office 71105
1240 S Pointe Parkway
Shreveport, LA 71105
(877) 319-3074
Can a Social Security Disability Lawyer Help Me for My Stroke in Louisiana?
No matter the state that you live in, applying for Social Security disability benefits is a complicated process. In addition to meeting the various deadlines, you will need to provide the SSA with the right medical documentation.
Hiring a qualified Social Security lawyer will significantly enhance your chances of approval, as an experienced attorney understands the application process inside and out.
He or she can work with you to fill out your application, request additional medical documentation, and file for an appeal, if needed.
Disability claimants who work with lawyers have a much higher approval rate than those to navigate the process alone.
