Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that can cause a wide variety of nervous system dysfunctions, restricting a patient’s abilities significantly. The majority of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease will experience some form of physical limitation, making work difficult or impossible.
This disorder is currently represented on the Social Security Administration’s acceptable list of disabilities that qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) based on the severe and life-threatening consequences.
Disabling Effects of Parkinson’s Disease
Resulting from a dopamine shortage in the brain, Parkinson’s disease affects the body’s ability to carry out muscle movement successfully. Since this chemical messenger is lacking, the brain is not able to effectively communicate to the muscles, resulting in uncoordinated movements or the inability to move.
Parkinson’s patients have a dysfunctional central nervous system, characterized by symptoms such as:
- Speech impairment
- Movement restrictions
- Motor skills impairment
- Tremors
- Imbalance
- Impaired posture
- Fixed gaze
- Word repetition
- Dementia
- Muscle rigidity
- Bradykinesia (slowed movement)
- Pain/stiffness
- Memory loss
There is no cure for Parkinson’s, so once the symptoms are clearly communicated, it is not hard to convince the Social Security Administration (SSA) that the condition is permanent. The challenging part is proving that your daily life is affected to a disabling degree.
Hiring an Attorney to Prove Parkinson’s Disease Disability
Simply being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease is not a sufficient reason to get a patient on the SSD benefits program. Applicants will need to demonstrate how the disease has prevented their ability to perform movement effectively, including job functions. With the help of an SSD attorney, you can build a strong case for disability and work together to apply or appeal for benefits. You can count on an attorney to effectively convey the severity of your disease and explain exactly how it impairs your work ability.
Most SSD lawyers do not charge anything upfront; they only get paid once their clients are awarded benefits, so there’s no risk involved. If you’ve been thinking about applying for disability checks, let a legal guide help you complete the SSD application process and improve your chance of approval.
To get personalized assistance with your disability application or appeal, locate an SSD attorney near you.
Please explore our website and if you have questions or need further assistance, please e-mail the SSD Law Resource Center by completing the form to the right. We are here to help.