Can I Get Disability for Epilepsy?

If you have been diagnosed with epilepsy and are unable to work in any capacity, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

Social Security Listing 11.02

Social Security has included epilepsy in its Blue Book of disability listings under Listing 11.02. There are four possible avenues to meet this listing.

The first potential avenue to meeting Listing 11.02 is if you have generalized tonic-clonic seizures at least once a month for at least three consecutive months despite adhering to prescribed treatment.

Second, if you have dyscognitive seizures at least once per week for at least three consecutive months despite adherence to prescribed treatment, you can also meet the listing.

Third, if you have generalized tonic-clonic seizures that occur at least once every two months for at least four consecutive months despite adherence to prescribed treatment. To meet the listing through this avenue, you must also have a marked limitation in one of the following: physical functioning; understanding, remembering, or applying information; interacting with others; concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace; or adapting or managing yourself.

Finally, if you have dyscognitive seizures at least once every two weeks for at least three consecutive months despite adhering to prescribed treatment, plus a marked limitation in one of the following: physical functioning; understanding, remembering, or applying information; interacting with others; concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace; or adapting or managing yourself, that will also meet the listing.

I Don’t Meet the Listing!

If you do not meet the listing, you may still qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits. To prove that you are disabled and unable to work, you will need medical evidence that shows the severity of your impairment. Social Security will need reliable medical evidence from your doctors to show them that your condition limits you and prevents you from working.

Unfortunately, one of the most common reasons for a denial is not enough medical evidence. It is important that you keep a log of all doctors, hospitals, and clinics you have seen for your condition, including any inpatient stays or hospitalizations.

If you do not meet the listing, Social Security will consider your residual functional capacity (RFC). Your RFC outlines your job restrictions and will be used to determine if you can go back to your past work. Your RFC is also used to determine whether there is other work available for you.

Jacksonville Social Security Disability Attorney

If you have been diagnosed with epilepsy and are unable to work in any capacity due to your physical condition, contact a local attorney today. An attorney can help answer your questions or help you apply for disability.