Obtaining SSDI Benefits after a Stroke

A stroke can result from a brain hemorrhage or a blocked blood vessel, and the effects can vary but often involve some level of numbness, sensation loss, or weakness on one side of the body. While some individuals only experience these symptoms for a short time, others may deal with them for the rest of their lives.

Whether you’ve experienced your first stroke or are impaired due to multiple strokes, you may qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA considers strokes to be disabilities under certain circumstances.

SSDI for Stroke Victims

To qualify, your stroke must cause lasting impairments, and the resulting limitations must have been present for the last 12 months or be expected to last for at least 12 months. In addition, your ability to speak, see, hear, or write must be severely impaired or lost entirely, and you must have pronounced issues with controlling or coordinating movements with at least two extremities (arms or legs).

Medical Vocational Allowance

If your stroke does not qualify under these criteria but still prevents you from working, you may get approved under a “medical vocational allowance.” In such cases, the SSA will require a medical professional to provide a residual functional capacity (RFC) analysis on your condition. An RFC report considers your age, job training and skills, formal education, all medical conditions, and your functional limitations. If the SSA believes that these combined factors prevent you from working any job for which you are otherwise qualified, you will be approved for a medical vocational allowance.

To learn about the other eligibility standards imposed by the SSA, call our firm and schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.