Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a neurological condition that indicates brain damage due to a blow to the head. Brain damage can occur as a result of an auto accident, falling, blunt force trauma, and other types of physical impact. Victims of TBI may be able to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) benefits or Supplemental Security Insurance benefits if their condition is determined to be permanent and disabling.
Disabling Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury
Brain injury patients experience a wide range of effects, from psychological problems to total paralysis. In some cases, TBI victims will require around-the-clock medical care to make sure the brain damage is not life threatening. Patients with injuries that become stabilized may still need assistance performing everyday activities.
The nature of bodily impairment depends on the area of the brain that suffered impact or oxygen deprivation. TBI patients may experience any of the following symptoms:
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
- Memory loss
- Vomiting/nausea
- Chronic headaches
- Confusion/inability to concentrate
- Speech impairment
- Sensory loss
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Poor motor coordination
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Emotional instability
- Nerve damage/paralysis
- Numbness/tingling
- Cognitive problems
- Personality/behavioral changes
- Increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Hiring an Attorney to Prove TBI Disability
Determining a brain injury victim’s prognosis can be extremely difficult. Over time, medical experts must observe the effects of the brain injury and keep a close watch on how the brain heals or worsens. When applying for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, applicants must be able to provide sufficient proof of severe and lasting neurological impairment. If the medical evidence is inconclusive, often the Social Security Administration will deny or defer the claim.
Hiring a skilled SSD lawyer to help organize information during the application stage can put applicants at a strong advantage over other candidates who are unfamiliar with the system’s requirements, deadlines, and evaluation process. Your lawyer can guide you through the steps with valuable insights as to ways you can improve your odds at winning an approval. In cases where a brain injury disability is denied, your attorney can explain the SSD appeals process and help you file for reconsideration.
If someone in your family suffered a severe and disabling brain injury, you can search our legal directory to find an SSD attorney in your area.
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.