Epilepsy
Epilepsy and SSD Benefits
Epilepsy, or seizure disorder, is an illness characterized by recurrent seizures over a non-specific length of time. Seizures are instances were brain activity is disturbed, halting any type of cognitive functioning. A permanent change in brain tissue causes the brain to overreact and send out abnormal signals. Symptoms include moderate to violent shaking, and loss of awareness. The location of the “attack” can put the person’s life in jeopardy as well (for example, losing control of a bike while riding it down a busy street).
During an episode, an individual is absolutely incapacitated. As stated previously, the environment and activity the sufferer is engaged in could prove dangerous as well.
Epilepsy and SSD Benefits Help
If the applicant’s impairment falls within any of the following categories set forth by Social Security’s Listing 11.02 and 11.03, then a strong claim may exist. The Listings are as follows;
11.02 Epilepsy – convulsive epilepsy, (grand mal or psychomotor), documented by detailed description of a typical seizure pattern, including all associated phenomena; occurring more frequently than once a month, in spite of at least 3 months of prescribed treatment. With:
- Daytime episodes (loss of consciousness and convulsive seizures) or
- Nocturnal episodes manifesting residuals which interfere significantly with activity during the day.
11.03 Epilepsy – nonconvulsive epilepsy (petit mal, psychomotor, or focal), documented by detailed description of a typical seizure pattern including all associated phenomena, occurring more frequently than once weekly in spite of at least 3 months of prescribed treatment. With alteration of awareness or loss of consciousness and transient postictal manifestations of unconventional behavior or significant interference with activity during the day.
Seizures can be debilitating to any individual who suffers them and render them unable to work. Normal lines of work are impossible to perform under the constant threat of an episode occurring. They can put themselves and co-workers in danger. Also, these seizures can cause brain damage that can forever alter the cerebral functioning of the individual.
