Understanding The Disabling Factors Of Syringomyelia For Social Security Disability Benefits
Syringomyelia is a rare disorder that causes a fluid-filled cyst called a syrinx to form inside the spinal cord. The fluid found inside the cyst is the result of a blockage that is the result of a tumor, spinal trauma, or Chiari malformation.
The symptoms of syringomyelia can eventually become debilitating. Fortunately, if you or someone you know suffers from syringomyelia, there is help in the form of Social Security benefits. Understanding the disabling effects of the disorder can better assist you in filing your Social Security Disability claim more successfully.
Identifying the Symptoms
Syringomyelia often presents itself in people 20 to 40 years old, though it can show up in children and older adults. Research shows that the disorder more commonly affects males compared to females. The disorder occurs at a rate of approximately 8.4 per 100,000 persons in the United States.
Anyone who suffers from syringomyelia can experience a range of symptoms that can include:
- Pain
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness
- Paralysis
- Difficulty articulating words
- Dizziness
- Inability to feel extremely hot and cold temperatures, particularly in the hands
- Headaches
- Impaired sensation on one or both sides of the face
- Hoarseness
- Loss of ability to use and understand language
- Pain, weakness, and/or stiffness in the back, arms, legs, and shoulders
- Rapid and involuntary rolling of the eyeballs
Eventually, symptoms can become debilitating enough that it can prevent a person from being able to carry out normal activities, including working. As such, a person diagnosed with syringomyelia may experience concern over how they will pay bills.
Fortunately, medical records documenting a diagnosis of syringomyelia along with statements describing the severity of symptoms can assist with securing approval for Social Security Disability.
Importance of Working With an Attorney
Keep in mind that even with proper documentation of the illness and symptoms, people still face issues filing for Social Security Disability almost daily. The best way to reduce your stress and ensure the successful filing of your claim is to work with a qualified Social Security Disability lawyer.
A lawyer can ensure that you have all the documentation requested by the Social Security Administration (SSA) along with properly filled out paperwork. If by any chance your request for Social Security Disability payments is denied, your attorney can work to appeal the decision to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Suffering from a disorder, particularly a rare disorder such as syringomyelia, is stressful enough. The last thing you need is to face the added stress of trying to secure a successful outcome with your Social Security Disability claim. A good lawyer can shoulder the stress for you so you can focus on yourself and your health.
It is important to note that syringomyelia is not named specifically within Social Security's Blue Book. However, it is addressed under spinal cord disorders in section 11.08, which states that the disorder must result in the "disorganization of motor function in two extremities" or limitations in physical function, among other persistent difficulties.
Because syringomyelia is not specifically named in Social Security's Blue Book, you must allow a Social Security Disability lawyer to work with you. The lawyer can present the argument that your documented disorder and symptoms qualify you according to the listed symptoms found in the Blue Book.
Inability to Work and Treatments
In many cases, you must show proof that you attempted to treat your disorder. Surgery is available for people who suffer from syringomyelia. With the help of surgery, it may be possible to stop your symptoms from getting worse or possibly improve the symptoms you are experiencing.
Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that surgery will correct the problem or enable you to work. Therefore, it is worth hiring a lawyer to assist you with your Social Security Disability claim so you can worry less about how you are going to afford the cost of living and focus more on dealing with your disorder and overall health. Contact a Social Security Disability attorney today for more assistance.