Auditory Processing Disorders (APD) are a variety of disorders that affects an individual's ability to process the information that they hear due to the fact that their ears and brain do not fully coordinate. It is possible for both children and adults with APD with qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). There are no work requirements for SSI and thus children can qualify as long your family meets the financial limits set forth by the SSA. Adults with a strong work history can qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and those without a strong work history might still be able to qualify for benefits under the SSI program.
Auditory Processing Disorder and Medically Qualifying
When applying for Social Security Disability benefits, your case is assigned to an adjudicator who will be reviewing your file. This adjudicator will compare your condition to a publication of qualifying conditions referred to as the SSA Blue Book. If you have a condition that meets a listing in the Blue Book, you must be able to prove that your condition meets the criteria that have been set forth by that specific listing.
Auditory Processing Disorder falls under Section 111.09 of the SSA’s Blue Book. Under this listing you must be able to prove the following in order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits:
That there is communication impairment associated with a documented neurological disorder; and
- There is a documented speech deficit which significantly affects the clarity and content of the applicant’s speech; or
- There is documentation of a comprehension deficit resulting in ineffective verbal communication that is appropriate for the child’s age range; or
- That there is an impairment of hearing as described under Section 102.10 or 102.11 of the Blue Book.
In order to be qualified for Social Security Disability benefits you must be able to furnish medical evidence the proves the above-mentioned criteria. If you do not have enough medical evidence to prove that the condition meets the SSA’s criteria, it is still possible to qualify for benefits but this must be done through the residual capacity form and, if successful, benefits will be awarded under a vocational allowance. Either way, it is imperative that you gather as much medical evidence as possible to support your claim for benefits from the SSA.
The Services of a Social Security Disability Attorney
When you apply for Social Security Disability benefits, it is your responsibility to prove that the applicant meets the criteria that is set forth by the SSA. This must be done by properly filling out your claim forms and submitting sufficient medical evidence. This can be hard for many applicants to do without the help of a professional. Because of this, you may want to consult with a Social Security Disability attorney if you are filing a claim for benefits based on Auditory Processing Disorder. Your disability lawyer will understand what medical evidence the SSA will need to see to approve your claim and how to present your claim in the best light possible. Statistics have shown that applicants who retain the services of a disability lawyer are more likely to be approved for benefits than those who do not.
