Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the state of South Carolina. According to the CDC, strokes took the lives of over 2,600 people in the Palmetto state in 2016 alone.
For individuals who survive a stroke, the road to recovery can be long and lined with obstacles. There are many federal and state resources available to assist those who have experienced a vascular insult to the brain. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers financial assistance to some individuals who are no longer able to work as a result of the long-term effects of a stroke.
Neurologists in South Carolina
Stroke survivors cross paths with numerous medical professionals in the days and months following their brain injury. From nurses to physical therapists to speech pathologists, there are a significant number of healthcare workers who aid stroke victims in their recovery. While all providers are important, leading the team is typically a neurologist.
Neurologists are medical professionals who specialize in stroke care. Skilled in conditions related to the brain and nervous system, these physician experts will help pave the path for your recovery.
In addition to helping with your physical healing, your neurologist will play a pivotal role in your quest for obtaining disability benefits. Not all stroke survivors will be awarded financial assistance following their accident. The SSA outlines very specific criteria that must be met prior to approval. In a medical guide called the Blue Book, the SSA details the residual medical impairments that must be present to be granted a financial award.
Your neurologist will need to provide the SS with detailed medical documentation illustrating that your long-term health impairments from your stroke prevent you from working. Therefore, establishing a strong working relationship with a reliable neurologist is essential. Once you have a neurologist that you trust, together you should review section 11.04 of the Blue Book.
If you are not currently working with a neurologist on a regular basis, here are three practices within the state of South Carolina:
Palmetto Health USC
300 Palmetto Health Parkway, Suite 200
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 545-6050
phuscmg.org/specialties/neuroscience/neurology
Tidewater Neurology
913-B Bowman Road
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29461
(843) 856-9530
tidewaterneuro.com/index.php
Medical University of South Carolina
Department of Neurology
96 Jonathan Lucas Street
Charleston, SC 29425
(843) 792-3221
academicdepartments.musc.edu/neurology/team/
Stroke Support Groups in South Carolina
Individuals who have had a stroke know just how challenging navigating their new life can be. Often, it’s overwhelming to know where to turn for help and assistance. While friends and family are essential, they often cannot provide all that is needed for stroke survivors.
Many stroke survivors have found great comfort in joining a stroke support group. Support groups provide those affected by a stroke with a safe place to share stories, learn about important resources, and gain encouragement from those who are in similar situations.
Not all stroke support groups are alike. While some support stroke victims, others offer assistance to caregivers. There are support groups aimed at younger survivors, some lead by medical professionals, and others that are facilitated by stroke survivors.
There are various support groups in South Carolina. Listed below are a few viable options in your state:
AIE Stroke Support Group
Meets Every 3rd Thursday at 6:00 pm
Education Conference Room, 1st Floor
2935 Colonial Drive
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 240-9230
Orangeburg Stroke Support Group
Meets Every 2nd Tuesday from 10:30 – 11:30 am
Community Outreach Building
3000 St. Matthews Road
Orangeburg, SC 29116
(803) 533-2777
Stroke Support Group
Meets Every 4th Saturday at 1:00 pm
Emanuel AME Church
1057 Fifth Avenue (Ashleyville)
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 571-0826
Applying for Social Security Disability for Stroke in South Carolina
The sudden nature and unpredictable course of a stroke makes it a little different from other conditions listed in the Blue Book. The long-term effects of a stroke vary based on the location of the stroke, as well as the type of stroke. As such, the SSA processes stroke applications slightly differently.
Immediately following a stroke, victims often have various health difficulties ranging from difficulty talking or eating, to difficulty walking or standing due to one-sided weakness. While these health deficits may be long-lasting, it is true that they sometimes resolve over time as well. Therefore, the SSA has a three-month waiting period from the onset of stroke until they will consider stroke applications. Providing a 90-day wait-period allows the body adequate time to heal, and also gives the SSA an opportunity to determine which health deficits might persist.
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program is meant for individuals with a permanent disability. As with all health conditions, the SSA requires that the impairments of a stroke be long-lasting. Therefore, your neurologist must confirm that the effects of your stroke are expected to last for at least one year following your brain accident.
If you meet the criteria as outlined above, you may apply for disability benefits. This can be done online or by visiting one of the several Social Security offices in the state of South Carolina. Here are three offices located in some of the larger cities within the state:
Columbia Social Security Office 29201
1835 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
(866) 964-7594
Orangeburg Social Security Office 29115
1379 Sims Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(866) 716-8602
Charleston Social Security Office 29407
1463 Tobias Gadson Blvd.
Charleston, South Carolina 29407
(866) 495-0111
Can a Social Security Disability Lawyer Help with My Stroke Claim in South Carolina?
If you have experienced a stroke that has resulted in a complete inability to work, it is likely that you are suffering from some significant health impairments. One of the best things you can do in this situation is hire a qualified disability lawyer to help you navigate the complex steps involved in applying for SSDI benefits.
A Social Security lawyer is skilled at working with stroke survivors to help them obtain the assistance they need to move forward financially with their lives. Your attorney will ensure that your application is complete, that you have collected all of the necessary medical documentation, and that your story is crafted so as to give you the best chances of winning your stroke claim in South Carolina.
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