Are you struggling to work like you used to because of hydrocephalus? You might wonder whether you could qualify for Social Security benefits. But is hydrocephalus a disability as far as the Social Security Administration (SSA) is concerned?
The process of applying for Social Security disability benefits can seem overwhelming, especially when your symptoms make daily life hard enough. The good news is that you don’t have to do it alone. A disability lawyer can step in to make the process manageable and help you navigate a confusing and frustrating legal process so you can better seek the benefits you need to cover your medical care and living expenses.
What Is Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is a neurological disorder caused by an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. The fluid collects in the brain’s ventricles, which creates pressure that can damage surrounding tissue. This condition can appear at birth, develop during childhood, or occur later in life as a result of a traumatic brain injury, stroke, tumor growth, or infections.
The symptoms of hydrocephalus vary depending on age and severity. Infants might show rapid head growth or bulging soft spots. Older children and adults often experience severe headaches, blurred vision, nausea, coordination problems, motor function disability, muscle weakness, mental impairment, and memory loss. Some also experience mood changes or seizures. These symptoms can be unpredictable, which makes daily life and steady work difficult.
Does Hydrocephalus Qualify for Social Security Disability?
The SSA reviews disability claims using a medical guide called the Blue Book. This guide lists specific conditions and the symptoms that qualify for benefits. Hydrocephalus does not appear as its own listing in the Blue Book. This means that eligibility depends on demonstrating how your symptoms align with other categories on the list. Hydrocephalus claims commonly fall under sections for seizure disorders, vision loss, or other neurological problems.
Strong medical evidence is key in these cases. The SSA will consider evidence like CT or MRI scans, surgical reports, and doctors’ notes that explain the severity of your condition. It may also review documentation of hospital stays, medications, and any complications that continue after treatment.
Equally important is clear evidence that demonstrates how your symptoms impact your physical and mental abilities, including your ability to work. For example, proof of severe headaches, poor balance, or memory loss can demonstrate that it’s impossible for you to perform occupational tasks safely or consistently.
What Social Security Disability Benefits Can I Receive for Hydrocephalus?
If hydrocephalus prevents you from working full-time, you could be entitled to monthly Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments. The amount you can get depends on your past earnings and work credits—only people who have paid Social Security taxes long enough and recently enough qualify. The SSA calculates your payments based on your average lifetime earnings, not on the severity of your condition.
Along with monthly benefits payments, you could qualify for Medicare coverage after two years on SSDI. This coverage can help you cover the costs of ongoing care, hospital visits, and medications tied to your condition. Some family members also qualify for dependent benefits. Children or spouses can receive a percentage of your monthly payments if they meet certain conditions.
If you do not have the required work history, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may be an option, as it’s based on financial need rather than work credits.
The Process of Qualifying for Disability with Hydrocephalus
It takes more than a diagnosis to qualify for SSDI benefits with hydrocephalus. Social Security will look at how the condition affects your ability to work and whether you meet several other criteria to determine your eligibility. Here are the main steps in the process of qualifying for disability with hydrocephalus:
- Filing the Application – To begin, submit an application that includes all your medical and work records. The more complete your paperwork, the better your chance of avoiding delays or denials.
- Documenting the Diagnosis – You’ll need to present clear medical records confirming your hydrocephalus diagnosis. This might include imaging results, surgical records, and doctors’ notes.
- Showing Functional Limits – You must also provide detailed medical evidence of how your hydrocephalus symptoms affect your daily life and ability to work.
- Assessing Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) – The SSA will evaluate your RFC, which is a measure of what you can still do despite your symptoms, such as concentrating on tasks.
- Reviewing Work History – The SSA will also compare your RFC to your past jobs. If you cannot perform work you have done before, it will consider whether you might be able to adjust to new work.
- Responding to SSA Requests – The SSA may request additional records or schedule a consultative examination. Be sure to attend all appointments and respond to every request to keep your case moving forward.
- Preparing for Appeal If Denied – Many initial claims get denied. An attorney can help you file an appeal, which gives you another chance to present stronger medical evidence and testimony.
What if My Claim Is Denied?
Many initial disability claims get denied, but you have the right to appeal after a denial. The Social Security appeals process has four main stages, each with strict requirements and deadlines.
The first stage is reconsideration, where a new SSA reviewer looks at your file and any additional evidence you provide. If you’re denied again after reconsideration, the next level is a hearing before an administrative law judge. During this hearing, you can present medical records, expert opinions, and personal testimony about how hydrocephalus limits you. If the judge rules against you, you can request a review by the Appeals Council. If you still do not succeed, you can file a lawsuit in federal court.
A social security disability lawyer can guide you through each stage of your appeal. They can work quickly to gather medical proof and contact witnesses before the relevant filing deadlines. Legal support can help you prepare your appeal, since the SSA expects precise documentation at every step.
Let an Oklahoma Disability Law Firm Help You
Social Security disability benefits are designed to provide financial support if your medical condition renders steady employment impossible. The challenge is proving your case with the right evidence. Ryan Bisher Ryan and Simons can guide you through that challenge from start to finish. Contact us today for your free initial consultation and take the first step toward securing the benefits you deserve.
We are Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, a legal firm that, for decades, has been fighting for the rights of hardworking Oklahoma residents. Our mission is to hold the powerful accountable.
