Living with Parkinson’s Disease can be some of the most difficult that a person will experience. Because Parkinson’s has a pronounced, degenerative effect on your nervous system, suffering from this ailment can make it difficult to perform the tasks most necessary to your life, including holding down a job.
If you have Parkinson’s Disease and are no longer able to work, then you may consider applying for Social Security benefits. Before applying, it is crucial that you gather as much information about the process as possible. Learn if you’re eligible to receive disability benefits for Parkinson’s Disease and find out why you need legal help throughout the application process.
Parkinson’s Symptoms That Qualify For Disability Benefits
When applying for disability benefits due to Parkinson’s Disease, your approval will rest entirely on the severity and extent of your symptoms. Social Security maintains a list of Parkinson’s symptoms and their causes that will qualify you to receive the benefits that you need.
To receive automatic qualification for disability benefits, you need to have either chronic mobility issues, such as trouble walking or standing, or a pronounced inability to uses your hands for general or specific tasks. Whatever symptoms of Parkinson’s that you’re experiencing, they need to be caused by either stiffness in your limbs, extremely slow movements (bradykinesia) or a tremor in at least two of your appendages.
Medical Evidence You’ll Need
Ensuring a successful application for Social Security disability depends on providing enough medical evidence to your caseworker. Primarily, your records should include a clear Parkinson’s diagnosis, side effects that you experience from your treatments and any tests you have received that speak to your condition.
In your application, be as specific as possible about how your Parkinson’s affects your day to day life and your ability to work. Outline how often you experience tremors or stiffness, and how limiting these episodes can be. Also, if your symptoms lessen between flare-ups, make sure to document how your medications affect the quality of your life.
Proving Reduced Capacity
If you don’t qualify automatically for Social Security benefits due to your Parkinson’s, you will need to undergo a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) exam. During this exam your doctor will determine the extent of your Parkinson’s symptoms and how these symptoms prevent you from working.
For example, if your Parkinson’s prevents you from lifting a certain amount of weight, or only allows you to work for a limited amount of time, it is important that your doctor includes all these details in your RFC report. The more information and medical documentation that you provide, the likelier you’ll be to receive your necessary benefits.
Hire A Dedicated Disability Benefits Lawyer
When you can no longer work due to the effects of Parkinson’s Disease, it can be hard to know how you are going to support yourself. If you find yourself in this circumstance, then a perfect solution is to apply for disability benefits with the assistance of The Law Offices of Dr. Bill LaTour.
We’ve been helping disabled individuals in the Greater Los Angeles area, the Inland Empire, and Orange County get the disability benefits they need for years. Call Dr. Bill LaTour and his team today at 800-803-5090 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.
