A stroke is one of the most serious medical events that a person can suffer from. In the aftermath of a stroke event, you’re likely facing tremendous mental and physical effects that limit your ability to live the way you wish and might be preventing you from returning to work as soon as you would like.
For many people that have suffered strokes, returning to work is impossible, leaving them in a very precarious financial situation. If you’re having trouble supporting yourself after a stroke, then applying for permanent or temporary disability benefits to help support yourself and your family. Read an overview of how to apply for and receive social security benefits after you’ve suffered a debilitating stroke.
Effects To Memory And Physicality
As with any disability or impairing condition, qualifying for Social Security benefits due to a stroke requires matching some of the most severe symptoms of the affliction. The most common stroke side effects that Social Security considers have to do with your ability to complete day to day tasks.
For example, if your stroke has left you with severe memory deficiencies, such as the inability to remember names and places, you will usually qualify for disability benefits. Additionally, if your stroke has totally, or partially, paralyzed at least two of your limbs, you may be entitled to receive benefits.
Speech And Vision
While most people are aware of the cognitive and motor issues that can result from a stroke, not as many people understand that your speech and vision may also be affected, both of which can qualify you to receive Social Security benefits.
There are a number of ways you can qualify for disability benefits due to vision impairment. First, if your field of vision has been severely reduced, you will almost always receive benefits. Secondly, if the vision in your best eye has been reduced by at least 20%, you will also be eligible for regular disability payments. When it comes to speech impairments from a stroke and Social Security, the severity of the condition is what matters. If you no longer have the ability to communicate, even with assistive technology, then you can receive disability benefits.
What To Do If My Stroke Doesn’t Qualify
If the conditions of your stroke aren’t severe enough to automatically qualify you for disability benefits, you may still receive payments. For example, if Social Security determines you can longer perform your old job, they will do a further investigation as to what careers may be suitable for you.
It is at this point that you should have your doctor perform a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) test. The RFC exam will gauge the extent of your abilities after your stroke and what kind of work you may be able to perform. Social Security will take the RFC results into account while determining whether or not you will be granted benefits.
Get Help From A Social Security Disability Lawyer
When you’re having trouble getting the disability benefits that you need following a stroke, then your best course of action is to receive legal advice from an experienced professional. Hire a dedicated knowledgeable social security disability attorney from The Law Offices of Dr. Bill LaTour today and fight for your social security disability.
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.
