Seeking Monetary Compensation for Memory Loss Issues
In the United States, workers pay into a Social Security tax program, and the money flows back out as monthly income to qualified recipients. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the government agency that oversees economic economic security benefits for millions of Americans who are:
- Retired
- Disabled
- Relatives of disabled or deceased workers
- Families of retirees
According to the National Academy of Social Insurance, about 169 million people pay Social Security taxes in America, and about one family in four receives income from the program, about 62 million people withdrawing in total.
Is Memory Loss A Disability?
There are many things that can cause memory loss. Some of the most frequent causes of memory loss include medications, dementia, traumatic brain injuries, and nutritional deficiency. Memory loss conditions can have both long-term and short-term effects.
Some of the memory loss symptoms that can trigger qualification for disability benefits include:
- Trouble following directions
- Misplacing things
- Forgetting how to use common items
- Confusion
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Frequent mood swings
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Schizophrenia
To qualify for SSD benefits, an individual must have impairments of at least two of the following:
- Loss in Social Function Ability
- Inability to focus
- Dementia
- Decomposition episodes, in which symptoms are significantly worse or last longer with each subsequent episode
How Will I Know If I am Eligible for Benefits?
Anyone who meets the disability criteria mentioned above can file a benefits claim for memory loss. To meet eligibility requirements, the person needs to show that the memory loss results from mental or physical conditions that cause severe cognitive deficiency, that the person is not able to perform their job duties, and that the person cannot engage in other work that demands less mental involvement.
The application that you submit for Social Security disability benefits should include medical records that state the diagnosis and evidence of a mental disorder that limits your ability to function.
The category of dementia covers a wide range of medical conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for 60% to 80% of all dementia cases. Many older adults face these issues and, if this is the case, the SSA will apply SSD after 50 rules. It is important for you to know the relevant applicable laws before taking any further step in the application process.
How Can I Qualify for Benefits?
If the symptoms of dementia prevent someone from working for at least 12 months, they can qualify for disability benefits for dementia and may apply for them if they are not currently receiving retirement benefits.
The SSA may conduct a consultative exam, during which a doctor who works for the SSA evaluates claims for disabilities that encompass symptoms that are difficult to definitively prove, such as insomnia or fatigue.
When an individual files a claim relating to memory loss issues, the SSA doctor may conduct a wide range of tests, including evaluating the applicant’s ability to recall current events, past events, photos, pictures, and word associations. The evaluation is called the Wechsler Memory Scale. Failure to participate in this exam can lead to the cancellation or dismissal of a disability claim.
In the SSD application, the person must meet the blue book listing criteria for their disability. A person’s medical documentation should show the presence of organic conditions that are confirmed by widely accepted diagnostic tests or medical practices.
In addition, applicants should provide proof of the medical treatment they have sought, results of diagnostic tests, and visits made to the hospital, as well as doctors’ notes that explain their symptoms and treatment history.
What Is the SSD Blue Book?
Formerly in print and now exclusively published online, blue book is a tool that Social Security examiners use to evaluate applications.
The SSA’s blue book defines a disability as an injury or illness that obstructs one from performing a substantial gainful activity for at least a year or may result in death. The blue book can be a valuable reference that helps applicants determine the requirements they will need to meet in order to receive monetary compensation.
One can still qualify for benefits for conditions that are not specified in the blue book. The examiner may determine the impairment or combination of impairments with regard to their severity, but the approval process can take longer and involve additional steps.
How Can I Seek Help Through the Process?
Hiring an attorney can increase your chances of getting approved for disability benefits. The SSA rejects many applications because people improperly complete their applications or do not understand the process to qualify for benefits.
Many people in Cape Coral become disabled every year and apply for benefits, and working with an attorney can improve their chances of receiving the benefits they deserve.
A lawyer can help the applicant complete the required paperwork and assemble the medical documentation they need. In addition, a Social Security disability attorney in Florida can represent you at a hearing if you need to appeal the SSA’s initial denial.