Yes, you can potentially get disability benefits for hypersomnolence disorder if it prevents you from working full–time. However, it can be a difficult process as it isn’t listed in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book of disabling conditions.
If you are suffering from the effects of hypersomnolence disorder, you know how debilitating it can be, and you know it is more than just feeling tired and run down. When the government denies you the benefits you need, you have the right to contest their decision. We can help.
Our team has 120 years of combined legal experience, helping injured and ill people get the benefits they deserve. At our firm, disability is all we do. Call today for your free consultation and learn more about how our Social Security Disability lawyers can help with your claim.
What Is Hypersomnolence Disorder?
Hypersomnolence disorder is a chronic sleep condition marked by excessive daytime sleepiness, even if you get adequate nighttime rest. You may feel an overwhelming need to nap during the day, but these naps are often unrefreshing.
You may also struggle to wake up in the morning, a symptom sometimes called sleep inertia that can involve confusion and slowed thinking. Unlike simple drowsiness, hypersomnolence disorder can severely impact your daily function, your ability to concentrate, and your memory.
If you are affected strongly enough, it may prevent you from gainful employment. If so, you could be eligible for disability benefits, though it will be a tough process. The SSA does not list hypersomnolence disorder as a disabling condition that qualifies for benefits.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 562-9830
How Can You Prove Hypersomnolence Disorder?
Unlike some disorders, getting disability benefits for hypersomnolence disorder is not automatic, based on how Social Security defines disability. You will need to show that your condition impacts your ability to work and hold a job on a consistent basis.
Strong Medical Diagnosis and Documentation
It helps if you can provide medical evidence from a sleep specialist, including:
- Sleep studies like polysomnography and multiple sleep latency test (MSLT)
- A formal diagnosis
- Records of persistent daytime sleepiness
- Documentation of all treatments and outcomes
Show Functional Limitations
Outline the ways your condition limits performance at work, such as falling asleep unexpectedly or cognitive issues that could lead to safety concerns. Statements from your doctor describing your functional impairments can help prove your condition prevents employment.
Match Your Symptoms to SSA Criteria
Hypersomnolence disorder isn’t directly listed, so it’s evaluated under related neurological or sleep disorders. If you don’t meet a specific listing, the SSA assesses your Residual Functional Capacity to determine whether you can sustain consistent, full-time work.
Put Together a Thorough Application
Submit a complete application for SSDI or SSI with as much detailed information as possible to increase the likelihood of your approval.
Include things like:
- Complete medical records
- Doctor’s statements describing functional limitations
- Personal accounts of daily struggles
- Work performance reviews that show how your symptoms affect your work life.
- Attendance records showing the time you were forced to miss, and your reliability.
A well-documented application clearly connecting your condition to work impairment improves approval chances. However, even if your initial application is denied, it’s not the end of the road. You still have options for getting disability benefits for hypersomnolence disorder.
What if Your Hypersomnolence Disorder Disability Claim Is Denied?
If your claim is denied, reach out to our legal team immediately. The Social Security Administration will send a letter explaining the reasons for your denial. We can help you review the letter and determine what steps to take next.
Typical reasons for a denial include:
- You did not provide enough medical evidence
- Your condition is not considered severe enough
- The SSA believes you can still perform some type of work
While a denial is frustrating, it is not unusual. We can help you appeal through the SSA process and work to get you the benefits you need.
Appealing the SSA Decision
You will have 60 days to file your appeal. The first step is typically a request for reconsideration, where a different reviewer at the Social Security Administration reexamines your claim using the same rules.
Strong evidence is needed for a disability appeal. You can submit new medical evidence to address why you were denied. If this step fails, you may present your case to an Administrative Law Judge, explain how hypersomnolence disorder affects you, and provide updated evidence.
If denied again, you can request review by the SSA Appeals Council, and possibly file a federal court case if necessary to challenge the decision.
Get Help With Your SSA Benefits
It is possible to get disability benefits for hypersomnolence disorder, but because the Social Security Administration does not include it on its list of debilitating conditions, it will take some effort. If your claim has already been denied, reach out to our legal team.
We can explain the process for contesting your denial and work with you throughout your appeal. Working with a knowledgeable attorney almost always means a better chance at a successful appeal and a greater opportunity to get the benefits you are owed.
Since 1992, Marc Whitehead & Associates has been here to advocate for people who were denied the important benefits they need to live a better life. Call today for your free consultation and tell us about your hypersomnolence disorder claim and how we can help.
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