When Do Brain Injuries Qualify for Disability Benefits
Moderate to severe brain injuries can create various life difficulties that can start impacting work performance. When income begins to decrease as a result, finances can quickly drain from medical expenses and other bills. Certain brain injuries might qualify a person for disability benefits that can serve as income replacement. Consult with a Wilmington disability lawyer to see whether you could qualify.
BRAIN INJURY DISABILITIES
Since mild concussions and brain injuries have temporary impairments, they will not qualify someone for disability benefits. Moderate to severe brain injuries that come with prolonged impairments are most likely to make someone eligible for benefits. The most common long term brain injury disabilities include:
- Cognitive and thinking problems
- Sensory deficits
- Physical and motor impairments
- Functional problems
- Communication deficits
Cognitive problems can impact a wide array of areas like memory, attention, and concentration. These can add up and slow down work productivity, accuracy and stamina. Workers struggling with cognitive deficits may no longer be able to perform complex tasks.
Sensory deficits can create similar or worse issues. Vision, hearing, and the sense of touch can all impact work performance when these senses are impaired. Some brain injuries can result in complete or partial blindness, deafness, or loss of sensation.
Physical and motor impairments may involve paralysis, coordination problems, and the inability to use the fingers properly. Factories and other occupations that require complex handwork may no longer be an option for someone with motor deficits.
Communication problems range from the inability to speak to the inability to understand what others are saying. This makes following or giving work orders challenging. Workers may fall behind at work or miscommunicate vital instructions as a consequence of this.
Functional problems can arise from a combination of these deficits. These include challenges with daily tasks, organization skills, and operating machinery.
DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR BRAIN INJURIES
When it comes to brain injury disability benefits, eligibility depends on whether the person is suffering physical deficits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will consider providing disability benefits to those with disorganized motor functions or physical limitations.
The disorganized motor function must impact at least two extremities for three months or longer. In other words, the loss of abilities in the arms, legs, or both could qualify someone with a brain injury for benefits. Physical limitations must also last three months or longer and impact one of the following:
- Social interaction
- Understanding and using information
- Concentration
- Adapting to change
Medical evidence and documentation of these impairments can be used to support your disability claim. The SSA will expect you to submit these documents with your claim. Try contacting a Wilmington disability lawyer if you have any questions about this process. A lawyer might be able to help you file your claim.
DISABILITY LAWYER IN DELAWARE
Filing a disability claim for a traumatic brain injury can bring up many questions. Talk to a Delaware disability attorney for guidance. You can contact Edelstein Martin & Nelson by dialing (302) 295-5050 today for a free consultation. Our experienced legal team can work with you to increase your chances of a successful disability claim. .