Social Security Attorneys’ Blog

Social Security Disability for Parkinson’s Disease

In this article our experienced Social Security Disability attorneys discuss collecting SSDI for Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. The cause of Parkinson’s is unknown, but there are several factors that seem to play a role, including genetic mutations, certain environmental triggers, head injuries, or drug use.

Some symptoms of Parkinson’s disease may include shaking or tremors, slowed movement, rigid muscles, loss of automatic movements, impaired posture or balance, and/or speech or writing changes. As many as 80% of people suffering from Parkinson’s disease also deal with depression as a direct result of the effects of Parkinson’s.

Although Parkinson’s is not lethal in and of itself, it often leads to early death because those with Parkinson’s are more likely to contract pneumonia, or because of a decreasing ability to swallow, which may lead to choking. Decreased motor ability may also result in falling or other accidents. There is no known cure for Parkinson’s, although some medical treatments seem to offer varying degrees of success. The disease and its symptoms tend to worsen the longer one has Parkinson’s.

Social Security Disability & Compassionate Allowance for Parkinson’s Disease

Under the Social Security system, certain diseases and medical conditions automatically qualify for Social Security disability benefits under the “Compassionate Allowance” (CAL) provision. The CAL initiative allows the Social Security Administration (SSA) to reduce waiting time to reach a disability determination. Currently, the SSA is in the process of holding hearings to determine whether Parkinson’s disease should qualify as an accepted condition for a compassionate allowance.

Social Security Disability Approval for Parkinson’s Disease

Until a determination that Parkinson’s qualifies for the compassionate allowance, people suffering from Parkinson’s have to show that their condition keeps them from performing whatever type of work they have performed over the past 15 years, or any type of work for which they could be trained.

Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Income Benefits for Parkinson’s Disease

Depending on circumstances, an individual with Parkinson’s may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or both.

SSDI eligibility is based on work history, your average lifetime earnings before becoming disabled, and financial need. It is not based on how severe your disability is or how much income you have. SSI provides cash assistance and health care coverage to people with low income and limited assets who have reached the age of 65 or are disabled. To qualify for either program, a determination of complete disability under the SSA’s guidelines must be made.

What You Should Do if You are Diagnosed with Parkinson’s

Upon receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, it is important that you contact the SSA immediately to advise them of your intent to file for Social Security Disability benefits. Then, you should contact a Social Security disability lawyer. While some people with Parkinson’s have relatively minor symptoms which increase slowly over time, others degenerate more quickly. It is important to make contact with a Social Security disability lawyer before your ability to communicate clearly makes representation more difficult.

Your Social Security Disability attorney can represent you during all stages of the Social Security disability process, both during your initial claim and during any steps of the appeals process which may be necessary before your claim is approved.

 Long Beach Social Security Attorneys

If you or a loved one is unable to work due to a disabling injury, medical condition or disease our skilled and experienced Attorneys are here to help you get the maximum Social Security Disability benefits for which you qualify.

The Law Office of Cantrell Green is a group of highly qualified and experienced disability attorneys who have obtained millions of dollars in Social Security Disability benefits for thousands of clients in Long Beach, Orange County and the greater Los Angeles. Our Attorneys care about every client, and fight tirelessly to obtain the benefits you deserve.

Free Social Security Disability Attorneys Consultation: 800-964-8047