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Does Anyone Know If You Can Be On Disability Because Of Parkinson's

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Elwood, IN
February 11, 2016
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A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Absolutely.... SSDI considers Parkinson's Disease a Pre-Approved full disability illness. For the past few years, you can easily enroll online with government. They have done this for us with PD, so that we can save $6,000.00 in legal fees... Some Attorney's claim they do it for "free", but really their taking over 50% of back payments during your period of disability that you will receive once SSDI benefits at being paid. And after one year on SSDI you will be eligible for Medicare

There are naturally several requirements regarding ability to work, have a documented medical trail at your doctor... Proof of depression medication needs, and significant improvement in Parkinson's symptoms with proper meds, are the keys I found for obtaining benefits. Online also provides a method to appeal their decision.... Hope this helps, Alan

February 11, 2016 (edited)
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Parkinson's is listed as catastrophic disease with SSDI. I did contract evaluations for SSDI/DDS for 18 years. Being on the catastrophic list is generally an automatic approval. Also check other sources as well. I'm compensated for Parkinson's due to Agent Orange when I served in Vietnam.

December 4, 2016
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

It would not be beneficial to hire an attorney until you have been denied twice. Let's say you hire an attorney for your initial claim. Assume you are awarded SSDI. The lawyer still gets 25% of any back pay you receive.

If a person has Parkinson's it's deemed catastrophic by SS. Meaning the rigors of qualifying are absent. Essentially Parkinson's is granted SSDI in most cases. Same applies to MS, and other similar diseases.

February 22, 2016
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member. Have you spoken to @A MyParkinsonsTeam Member dear Austin? Alan is extremely helpful at helping with these things. His knowledge is formidable. 💐

February 17, 2016
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

When I performed evaluations for SSDI claimants I used a simple written document to attach to your application:

Rank order your disabilities from most severe to least severe. Also include any illnesses you ever had and any secondary problems. Example, Diabetes type II with secondary conditions of Peripheral Neuropathy and kidney problems.

1. State your issue and label it from one of the 14 List of Impairments in the SSA Blue Book. For example look under Affective Disorders 12.00, look for Depression which is 12.04. As stated when did you first notice symptoms, who diagnosed you, and medications prescribed. If you can not find the exact code, use the category code. For example Menigeoma. You many not find the exact code, then use 11.00 Neurological Disorders.

2. Describe Occupational Limitations: Do not repeat the disability, but explained what these disabilities are doing to you. Such as PD cause dizziness, memory problems, the inability to use a computer keyboard due to tremors, and so on.

3. List who is currently treating you and medications prescribed. List the names of medications and dosages. Additionally list side effects of medications. "Sinemet cause fatigue and sleep disturbance." People focus more on their disabilities and forget side effects of medications are also disabling.

February 15, 2016 (edited)

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