As most people can tell you, epilepsy can be a debilitating disease. However, it can also be treated and kept under control with proper medication. Depending on the individual situation, epilepsy can be a condition for which you may be able to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
When determining whether your epilepsy meets the requirements of SSDI or SSI, several factors come into play. One of the most important factors is whether or not you are taking your medication. If you are taking your medication but still having regular epileptic seizures that prevent you from functioning, you may qualify. However, if the medication helps to reduce – or eliminate – your seizures, you may not qualify.
If you have generalized tonic-clonic seizures, in order to qualify for disability, you need at least one per month for three consecutive months, despite the fact that you take your medication.
If you have dyscognitive seizures, in order to qualify for SSDI or SSI, they must occur at least once a week for at least three consecutive months. Again, you must be taking your medication and having the seizures.
If you have seizures less often than that, but they are still debilitating and leave you with marked limitations, you may still qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits.
In order to win an SSDI or SSI claim for epilepsy, it is important that you take your medication as prescribed and regularly visit with your doctor. If they recommend, prescribe, or order, any imaging or EEG testing, you should have that done as soon as possible.
If you have questions about SSDI or SSI with epilepsy, contact an experienced disability lawyer today.