Various incidents and accidents could cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Some common causes include falls and automotive vehicle accidents. Depending on the severity of the injury, a person could experience everything from a mild concussion to a permanent coma or death.
People who suffered a TBI often experience physical and cognitive difficulties. These complications could adversely affect an individual’s concentration ability or result in drastic mood swings or personality changes. Physically, a traumatic brain injury could impact a person’s motor skills, speech, and communication. If a person experiences significant limitations in their physical or mental capabilities, their ability to work could be permanently impaired. Fortunately, a person who suffered a TBI has the option of applying for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
No matter what your medical condition is, applying for Social Security Disability benefits is challenging. Having our knowledgeable Fayetteville, AR disability lawyers handle your application process will increase your chances of success. Contact our law offices at (479) 316-0438 to discuss the necessary steps to obtain the benefits you need.
Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury in Arkansas
A TBI usually occurs when a person’s head is hit with such force that the brain suffers damage. A traumatic brain injury could also be caused by an object penetrating the skull and brain, such as a gunshot wound. The severity of a TBI will depend on the event and the person. In some situations, a person might only suffer a mild concussion while another individual will suffer permanent brain damage.
Some common brain injury symptoms include confusion, blurred vision, lightheadedness, severe headaches, fatigue, and mood changes. Some people might experience difficulties with their memory and concentration. Depending on the specific damage, other injured individuals could lose control of certain motor functions. While many people will improve over time, others will stay the same or gradually get worse.
Some symptoms of a brain injury will improve with time or treatment. However, even with speech, physical, or occupational therapy, an injured victim will not improve to the point where they are able to work again. In these cases, Social Security Disability benefits could help. One of our Arkansas disability attorneys could assist you with the process.
Social Security Disability Benefits for TBI in Arkansas
The SSA publishes a list of disabilities and their requirements as a guideline for their case specialists and doctors. Before 2016, traumatic brain injuries were listed under other types of medical conditions, such as epilepsy, stroke, organic mental disorders. However, now the SSA’s list of impairments includes a specific listing for traumatic brain injuries.
According to the SSA’s listing, a TBI is caused by a closed head injury, skull fracture, or penetration by a foreign object. To qualify for Social Security benefits for a TBI, your medical evidence must prove one of the conditions below.
You must not be able to control the movement of at least two of your extremities, for example, one arm and one leg, or both of either. This condition must persist for at least three months after your injury. Furthermore, you must demonstrate that you have difficulty standing up, balancing, or walking.
Otherwise, you must experience physical problems and limitations related to one of the conditions listed below.
- Your ability to think, remember, or apply information must be limited.
- You experience difficulties in interacting socially with other people, coworkers, or supervisors.
- Your injury limits your ability to finish tasks, either because of a loss of concentration or an inability to concentrate.
- You have difficulties in regulating your emotional response or controlling your behavior.
To qualify for disability benefits, the problems above must be considerably worse than moderate. However, there are not required to be extreme. Our experienced Fort Smith disability lawyers will help you gather the necessary medical evidence and documentation to support your claim.
Medical Evidence of a Traumatic Brain Injury
No matter your impairment or medical condition, you must provide the SSA with sufficient medical evidence to support your disability benefits claim. When applying for benefits because of a TBI, it is critical to provide medical records documenting your functional limitations.
While every traumatic brain injury is unique, there are some common types of medical documentation that is critical. Our Springdale disability lawyers have been helping individuals apply for benefits for decades and understand what the SSA is looking for. While this does not guarantee your claim will be approved, you will be presenting the best possible evidence.
For example, a history of emergency room visits or extended hospitalization related to your TBI is valuable evidence. Additionally, a written medical source statement from your treating physician that details your treatment, symptoms, and limitations could be very persuasive. Along with this statement, your doctor should include diagnostic test results to support the diagnosis. These tests should include MRIs, x-rays, and neuropsychological tests. In addition to a written statement from your doctor, statements from you, your family, coworkers, and your supervisor could also serve as compelling evidence. The key is to clearly demonstrate your limitations due to the TBI.
Contact Our Arkansas Social Security Disability Attorneys if a Brain Injury Has Impacted Your Ability to Work
Traumatic brain injuries are serious and often have life-altering consequences. If you have suffered a brain injury and are unable to work, you might qualify for monthly benefits through Social Security. The application process is not easy and approximately 65% of all applications are denied. To improve your chances of success, you should contact our experienced Harris Social Security Disability lawyers. Call (479) 316-0438 to schedule a free and confidential appointment.