Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes recurrent and unprovoked seizures. Although many people can prevent epileptic seizures through treatment, some cases do not respond to medical intervention. Recurring seizures may make it impossible for people with epilepsy to work, which may entitle them to Social Security disability benefits.
Is Epilepsy a Disability?
Epilepsy refers to a brain condition that causes recurring seizures. In most cases, doctors will diagnose an individual with epilepsy if they have at least two unprovoked seizures at least 24 hours apart. The federal government considers some of the most common types of epilepsy a disability. This may potentially entitle individuals with those forms of epilepsy to disability benefits if their condition prevents them from maintaining gainful employment despite undergoing treatment for their epilepsy.
Types of Epilepsy That Can Qualify for Social Security Benefits
The Social Security Administration’s “Blue Book” of medical conditions that may qualify an individual for disability benefits recognizes two types of epilepsy that can constitute a “disability”: generalized tonic-clonic epilepsy and dyscognitive epilepsy. Generalized tonic-clonic epileptic seizures, also known as grand mal seizures, affect the entire brain and cause loss of consciousness and muscle contractions when they occur. Dyscognitive epileptic seizures, also called focal seizures, only involve impaired awareness or cognitive function. A person suffering a focal seizure may remain conscious, but experience altered awareness, confusion, disorientation, involuntary movements, memory loss, or difficulty understanding or responding to questions.
These two types of epilepsy may qualify as a disability if they occur, despite adhering to prescribed medication and treatment, at least once a month for at least three consecutive months. They may also qualify if they occur at least once every two months for at least four consecutive months for grand mal seizures or at least once every two weeks for at least three consecutive months for focal seizures, with resulting limitations of:
- Physical functioning
- Understanding, remembering, or applying information
- Interacting with others
- Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace
- Adapting or managing oneself
How to Apply for Epilepsy Disability Benefits
Individuals diagnosed with generalized tonic-clonic or dyscognitive epilepsy may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. After receiving an epilepsy diagnosis, they can apply for epilepsy disability benefits online through the Social Security Administration’s website or by calling their toll-free number to schedule an appointment to apply at a local Social Security office or over the phone. Applicants will need various documents to support their benefits claim, including medical evidence documenting their epilepsy and treatment, work history (when applying for SSDI), or financial information (when applying for SSI). Sometimes, the SSA will require an applicant to attend a consultative examination with a third-party medical professional to obtain additional medical evidence. Applicants can apply for disability benefits with an attorney who can communicate with the Social Security Administration on the applicant’s behalf.
Our Social Security Attorneys Can Help With Your Claim for Benefits
If you’ve been diagnosed with epilepsy or other neurological disorders, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits when your condition renders you unable to work. Contact Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons today for a free consultation to learn whether you can get disability for epilepsy from the Social Security Administration’s disability benefit programs.
We are Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, a legal firm that, for decades, has been fighting for the rights of hardworking Oklahoma residents. Our mission is to hold the powerful accountable.
