You may qualify for disability benefits if you have ataxia that causes significant limitations in your daily functioning.
Specifically, you must have extreme motor function disorganization in two extremities, or a marked limitation in physical functioning combined with a marked limitation in one area of mental functioning.
To be approved for disability benefits, you need exhaustive proof of your condition and work limitations. You can talk to a nationwide disability lawyer who can help you organize your medical information, submit benefits applications, talk to insurance companies, and appeal denials.
Ataxia Definition and Symptoms
“Ataxia” is a name for a grouping of neurological disorders characterized by shaking, involuntary movements, loss of coordination, and clumsy movements.
Specifically, ataxia is a symptom of an underlying issue and can result from various neurological diseases and problems with the brain’s cerebellum. Ataxia can be hereditary or acquired.
There are three general categories of hereditary ataxia, each with its own symptoms and pathology:
- Friedreich’s ataxia. This is the most common type of ataxia and typically manifests before the age of 25. Friedreich’s ataxia is associated with weakened gait, balance problems, swallowing difficulties, diabetes, and heart disease.
- Ataxia–telangiectasia (AT). AT is a rarer form of ataxia that primarily begins in early childhood. AT causes walking difficulties that require a wheelchair and characteristic spider-like red veins near the eyes and cheeks. Those with AT also show an increased risk of developing cancer.
- Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA). SCA is a type of adult ataxia, typically affecting those above the age of 25. Those with SCA suffer from decreased mobility, lack of coordination, curved spine, migraines, and cognitive problems, like difficulty concentrating.
Aside from hereditary conditions, ataxia can be episodic and triggered by environmental conditions, like stress, alcohol, and certain movements. Ataxia can also result from vitamin E deficiency.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 562-9830
Can I Qualify for Disability Benefits if I Have Ataxia?
Individuals with ataxia can have marked difficulties navigating daily life and be unable to maintain gainful employment. If your ataxia is severe, then you can qualify for disability, though details differ depending on whether you’re talking about private disability insurance or Social Security Disability Insurance.
Private Disability Insurance
Every private disability insurance policy has a definition of disability that you must meet to qualify for coverage. In most cases, the definition is a verifiable medical condition that keeps you from being able to engage in substantial employment. Some policies may have an explicit list of conditions they recognize and that are covered.
Keep in mind that the language defining “disability” can differ depending on the specific policy. For example, some policies may consider you disabled if you can’t do your current job, but others may only consider you disabled if you can’t perform any work at all.
If you are unsure about the specific language of your policy and whether ataxia qualifies, you can talk to a disability lawyer for clarification and guidance.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Ataxia is recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA) as a valid disorder that can qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Section 11.17 of the SSA Blue Book covers neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system, including Friedreich’s ataxia and spinocerebellar degeneration.
Not all cases of ataxia qualify for Social Security; your symptoms have to meet a specific threshold.
To qualify for SSDI for ataxia, you must meet either of the following conditions:
- Motor function disorganization in at least two extremities, resulting in an extreme limitation in the ability to stand up from a seated position, maintain balance while standing and walking, or use the upper extremities.
- Marked limitation in physical functioning and difficulty remembering, interacting with others, concentrating, or managing one’s life.
Compassionate Allowances
Most types of hereditary ataxia are also eligible for the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances program. Compassionate Allowance allows the SSA to fast-track disability applications for individuals with specific rare and debilitating diseases.
Through Compassionate Allowances, you can reduce waiting times for reaching a disability determination.
Proving Ataxia for Disability Claims
Proving ataxia for a disability claim requires meticulous medical documentation of your condition and treatment. If you don’t have an official medical diagnosis, your application or claim will almost certainly be denied.
Relevant evidence to submit with a claim includes:
- Detailed doctors’ reports
- MRI, CT scans, and other imaging results
- Results of neurological testing and assessments
- Notes on inability to perform basic tasks
- Records of treatment history and current treatment regimen
One of the most common reasons for denied disability claims is a lack of proof, so you must be as thorough as possible. You can work with a lawyer who can help gather your medical records and organize them for submitting a claim.
Contact a Disability Benefits Lawyer Today
Do you have any more questions about ataxia and qualifying for disability benefits? If so, contact Marc Whitehead & Associates online or call our offices today to speak to a disability lawyer.
Call or text (800) 562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
