Often starting with just a small hand or leg tremor, Parkinson’s disease can progress into a work-limiting medical condition. If you or someone you love has Parkinson’s disease, Social Security Disability Insurance benefits may be available.
Unfortunately, there is no quick test to determine if someone has Parkinson’s disease. Instead, your doctor must consider your medical history and physical and neurological symptoms. Therefore, if you notice early warning signs of the disease, it is critical to seek a comprehensive medical evaluation.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
As a progressive condition, Parkinson’s disease often worsens over time. In the disease’s early stages, you may have few symptoms. Eventually, though, you may develop one or more of the following:
- Tremors
- Muscular stiffness
- Slowed movements
- Balance and posture problems
- Speech difficulties
- Writing difficulties
Depending on the severity of these symptoms, you may have trouble performing your existing job duties. As physical and psychological symptoms worsen, you may find it virtually impossible to do any job. If you cannot work because of your Parkinson’s diagnosis, applying for SSDI benefits may be the right approach.
Your SSDI application
If a doctor has diagnosed you with Parkinson’s disease, you may be eligible for SSDI benefits. In fact, the Social Security Administration has a listing for the condition. To meet the listing, you must have the inability to control the movement of at least two extremities, despite having at least three months of therapy.
If you cannot meet that standard, you have another option. If you have a marked limitation with one of the following, you may be eligible for SSDI benefits:
- Understanding, remembering or applying information
- Interacting with others socially
- Completing basic tasks
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to convince the SSA to approve SSDI benefits. Therefore, if you qualify for SSDI payments, you must be sure you submit a complete application. When doing so, you also must provide extensive documentation of your Parkinson’s disease and work limitations.
