When a California resident suffers a brain injury, he or she may be unable to earn an income. While the fact that Social Security Disability Benefits might be available can provide comfort, the navigation of the application for benefits could be a nightmare. Reportedly, many SSDI claims are rejected at the application stage.
Specific criteria must be satisfied to meet the Social Security Administration’s requirements for eligibility before benefits applications are approved. Various types of brain injuries could qualify, and although the SSA does not differentiate between different kinds when claims are evaluated, the specific brain injury type must be diagnosed and indicated on the application. Although traumatic brain injuries are most prevalent, other types such as coup-contrecoup injury, diffuse axonal injury and penetrating brain injuries may also qualify — among others.
The SSA compare the symptoms and medical records with listings of disabling conditions in the Blue Book to determine each applicant’s eligibility. The criteria include diagnostic proof of symptoms along with results of formal evaluations that indicate the severity level at which the symptoms are experienced. This is necessary to justify the claim of inability to maintain gainful employment.
California workers who apply for SSDI benefits must have contributed Social Security over their years of employment. Along with details about their medical condition, detailed information about finances, education and work history will have to accompany the application. Many victims of debilitating brain and other injuries choose to utilize the services of an experienced SSDI attorney to navigate the challenges of the process to claim benefits.
Source: bisociety.org, “Social Security Disability Benefits for Brain Injuries,” Jacob Masters, accessed Dec. 8, 2017