Neurological Problems

Does Parkinson's Disease Qualify for Disability Benefits?

If your PD is severe enough to significantly limit your ability to perform work-related activities, you can get disability.

Disability for Huntington's Disease: Benefits and Filing Information

Huntington’s disease (HD), sometimes referred to as Huntington’s Chorea, is a genetic nerve disorder that affects the brain. HD causes the degeneration of nerves in the brain, which leads to decreased muscle coordination, cognitive decline, and psychiatric problems.

Getting Disability Benefits for Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease

Social Security has specific criteria for when Alzheimer's qualifies for disability, but an early-onset diagnosis gets fast-tracked.

Getting Disability for Vascular Dementia or Dementia With Lewy Bodies (DLB)

Social Security disability applicants with more than one type of dementia, or dementia with Lewy bodies, are entitled to a fast-tracked disability decision.

Disability Benefits for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease, or motor neuron disease, affects the nerve cells (neurons) and spinal cord. It usually appears in those who are over age 50, and 90% of the time, there is no known cause (10% of cases are genetic in origin).

Is It Possible to Get Social Security Disability Benefits for Muscular Atrophy?

You can file for Social Security disability claim for muscular atrophy, or the wasting away of the muscles due to inactivity, but your chances of success depend on the severity of your limitations.

Getting Disability for Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), or Shy Drager Syndrome

Multiple system atrophy, or MSA, is a rare and progressively worsening neurodegenerative disorder that affects the autonomic nervous system.

Getting Disability for Stiff Person Syndrome

Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a debilitating neurological disorder that causes intermittent muscle stiffness in the limbs (arms and legs) and torso. The disorder affects both men and women, but is twice as prevalent among women.

Getting Disability for Spinal Cord Injury or Paralysis

Many, but not all, individuals with spinal cord injuries are automatically eligible for Social Security disability benefits.

Getting Social Security Disability for Syringomyelia

Syringomyelia is a condition where fluid-filled cysts form within the spinal cord. As the cysts grow, they can damage the spinal cord, which leads to impairments. This condition can be caused by birth defects, injuries to the spinal cord, and tumors in the spinal cord.

Getting Disability for Transverse Myelitis

Transverse myelitis (TM) is inflammation of the tissue (called myelin) that surrounds nerve cell fibers around the spinal cord. TM can cause pain and muscle weakness, and severe cases can result in incontinence and paralysis of the legs. There is no cure for TM, but anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve some symptoms.

Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability

Nolo's book on how to get SSDI or SSI disability benefits explains in detail what limitations your RFC should include, depending on your particular type of medical condition. The book as written by a former chief medical consultant for the SSA.