Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is an incurable disorder that is caused by injury to the brain during pregnancy. People with cerebral palsy experience loss of motor coordination that affects their ability to walk and perform everyday movements. These individuals face a lifetime of challenges and often require in-home nursing care and adaptive living equipment.

Disabling Effects of Cerebral Palsy

Most individuals with cerebral palsy will be diagnosed in early childhood. For patients who were able to work for some years but experienced a worsening of symptoms later in life, the Social Security Disability Insurance program offers benefits based on work history. For those who have worked for a short time or not at all, benefits may be available through the Supplemental Security Insurance program. Parents of disabled children with cerebral palsy may also be able to apply as well.

Manifestations of cerebral palsy often include several of the following signs:

  • Weak muscles
  • Stiffness
  • Elevated risk of stroke
  • Exaggerated reflexes
  • Drooling
  • Asymmetrical gait
  • Poor muscle coordination
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Tremors
  • Speech problems
  • Increased risk of seizures
  • Increased risk of mental retardation
  • Problems with dexterity

Hiring an Attorney to Prove Cerebral Palsy Disability

Families that are dealing with cerebral palsy have enough to worry about. The countless hours it can take to apply and appeal can be overwhelming and highly distracting. If you’ve considered applying for disability benefits, a skilled SSD attorney can provide the valuable guidance you need to plead your case.

Your lawyer can work to assemble an application package that clearly communicates the disabling effects of cerebral palsy, backed up with proper approvals by medical professionals and diagnostic test results. If you’ve already applied and been denied, your attorney can walk you through the SSD appeals process to make sure you are doing all you can to get benefits approved as soon as possible.

To learn more about the disabling effects of cerebral palsy and find out if you have a strong case for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, please contact an SSD lawyer in your town.