Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves. Symptoms start slowly and may appear as a tremor in just one hand. While tremors are common, the disorder may cause stiffness, slowing of movement, decreased coordination (trouble standing and walking), and difficulty speaking clearly.
Other problems may accompany Parkinson's disease, including:
- Depression
- Emotional changes
- Trouble swallowing and chewing
- Urinary problems or constipation
- Skin problems
- Sleep problems
- Dementia or other cognitive problems
- Orthostatic Hypotension
- Muscle cramps and dystonia
- Pain
- Fatigue and loss of energy
- Hallucinations, delusions, and other psychotic symptoms caused by prescribed medication.
These symptoms can make it difficult or impossible for you to work. Parkinson's disease mainly affects older people (over 60). But younger people can develop PD — especially those whose brains have been damaged by infection or drugs.
Is Parkinson's disease a disability?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers the symptoms of Parkinson's disease severe enough to include in its Blue Book Listing of impairments in the section on neurological disorders. SSA evaluates PD based on the limitations caused by the disease rather than the diagnosis.
For Social Security to consider your PD a listing level disability, your condition must meet the requirements of the listing for "Parkinsonian syndrome" (Listing 11.06) But meeting a listing isn't the only way someone with Parkinson's disease can qualify as disabled. Social Security will also consider your Parkinson's disabling if it interferes with your ability to function so much that you can't work full-time in any kind of job.
Do I meet the Disability Listing for Parkinsonian Syndrome?
To qualify for benefits under listing 11.06, you'll need medical records that document one of the following:
- Inability to control the movements of both of your arms or legs (or one of each), despite at least three months of treatment, and
- you have extreme difficulty:
- balancing while standing or walking,
- standing up from a seated position, or
- using your arms.
OR
- You have marked (severe) physical problems along with a marked limitation (seriously limits your ability to function) in any one of the following:
- understanding, remembering, or applying information, or
- interacting with others; or
- concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace; or
- adapting or managing oneself.
Can I still qualify for SSD if I don’t meet the listing?
Yes, if your Parkinson's symptoms don't meet the requirements of Listing 11.06, you may still qualify for benefits under Social Security's “medical-vocational” rules. To qualify for disability benefits under the medical-vocational rules, you must show that your condition is severe enough to significantly limit your ability to perform basic work-related activities.
SSA will review the reports of your symptoms along with your medical records and your doctor’s opinion, as well as an SSA-hired doctor to evaluate you and any other evidence in the file. SSA will assign you a residual functional capacity (RFC), the heaviest work classification that the SSA feels you can perform (sedentary, light, medium, or heavy).
If your Parkinson's disease has also caused mental or cognitive issues, SSA will assign a mental RFC as well. In determining your RFC, the SSA will consider any other physical or mental conditions you have that limit your ability to work, whether related to your Parkinson’s disease or not.
SSA will decide if you can return to your past work with your RFC. If not, SSA will decide if there are any other jobs that you can do. If SSA decides there are other jobs you can do, they will deny your claim.
If you're over 50, you have a better chance of being approved for benefits because of Social Security's "grid rules." SSA will consider your age, level of education, and prior work experience to determine whether you have the ability or job skills to switch to another type of work. If you have little formal education and a history of unskilled work, your odds increase that your application will be approved under the grid rules.
How can a disability lawyer help?
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits is a complex process and can be challenging, especially when dealing with a progressive condition like Parkinson’s disease. Disability lawyers can play a crucial role in helping you gather the necessary medical evidence, prepare your application, and navigate the appeals process if your claim is denied.
Experienced disability lawyers can also provide valuable guidance on meeting the SSA’s medical listing for Parkinsonian Syndrome or qualifying for disability benefits based on a reduced RFC.
Parkinson’s disease is a difficult condition to live with. When it worsens to the point of keeping you or a loved one from being able to earn an income, you should not have to worry about financial security. The Social Security Disability lawyers at MCV Law work on a contingency basis. You pay us no fee until we win you the ongoing benefits that you are entitled to. Over the years, we have helped hundreds of claimants win their cases, and we are here to help you next. We offer free initial consultations, and look forward to guiding you on your path to benefits. Get your life back. Call or click today to connect with our team.