A stroke is considered a disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This is because as victim suffering a stroke is unlikely to be unable to get work until they have fully recovered.
This could take months, years, or not at all if the stroke is severe. In the time that the victim is suffering from the after effects of a stroke, it is possible to qualify for a disability benefit which reduces the chances of suffering financially from a serious medical condition.
Is Stroke a Disability?
A stroke may be considered a disability by the SSA. To get disability benefits for a stroke you’ll need to meet the listing in the blue book for a stroke, as well as meeting the work requirements to qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
A stroke is listed as a neurological disorder found in section 11.04 of the SSA’s Blue Book which is called Vascular Insult to the Brain.
Because the symptoms of a stroke often vary you could be evaluated under section 12.00 as well which is medical disorders as stroke victims often experience effects to their psychiatric health. Vision problems often occur too due to a stroke and these are covered by section 2.00, headed Special Senses and Speech.
Types of Stroke That Are a Disability
There are 5 types of strokes which are medical emergencies that stop or interrupt the flow of blood to the brain. These are described briefly below.
- Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain gets blocked by a blood clot. Most strokes are of this type.
- Hemorrhagic stroke happens when bleeding in your brain damages nearby cells typically caused by high blood pressure, injury, bleeding disorders and use of cocaine.
- Cryptogenic stroke.
- Brain stem stroke happens in the victim’s brain stem which can affect both sides of the body preventing the victim from speaking or moving below the neck.
- Transient ischemic attack or mini-stroke is a temporary blockage to the blood flowing to the brain. The symptoms typically last for just a few minutes and sometimes as long as in 24 hours.
How to Get a Disability Benefit For Stroke
If the symptoms of your stroke are serious, you will need to use the Blue Book list to determine if you qualify for disability benefits.
As long your stroke matches the condition in one of the Blue Book’s listings you should prepare your claim for disability benefits.
You should gather all the evidence to prove you are unable to work for at least 12 months due to the symptoms caused by the stroke. This can include a medical report from your treating physician describing the effects caused by the stroke.
Next Steps to Take
To help ensure your disability claim will not be denied you should seek help from a disability attorney who will ensure your evidence is sufficient for your claim to be accepted and will offer a free case evaluation.
