Are You Eligible for SSDI If You Can’t Work Due to a TBI?

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are serious brain injuries caused by a jolt to the head or penetration of the skull and brain by an object. They are often caused by motor vehicle collisions, slip and fall accidents, and firearms.

If you suffer from a TBI, it may cause dramatic changes to your mobility, concentration, memory, judgment, vision and more. You may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if it causes you to be unable to work.

How to Qualify for SSDI Benefits for a Traumatic Brain Injury

One way to qualify for SSDI benefits is to meet the requirements stated in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) listing of impairments. The SSA considers a TBI to be a brain injury caused by a skull fracture, closed head injury, or penetration of the brain tissue by an object. Listing 11.18 requires that you show one of the following to be considered disabled:

• You have the inability to control at least two extremities, such as an arm and a leg or two legs, for at least three months after your injury. This must cause you to have extreme difficulty with balance while standing or walking, standing from a seated position, or using your arms.
• You have marked physical problems with a marked limitation for at least three months due to your injury. You must have a problem with thinking, such as understanding, remembering, or using instructions, finishing tasks due to concentration, persistence, or speed impairments, regulating your emotions and behaviors, or interacting with others in a socially appropriate manner.

You will be considered to have a marked physical problem and limitation if it is seriously limiting.

Obtaining a Medical-Vocational Allowance

If you do not qualify for SSDI under the listing of impairments, you may be eligible based on your residual functional capacity (RFC). The SSA would evaluate whether you can continue to perform the duties of your current occupation given your physical and mental limitations caused by your TBI. If you cannot continue in your job, the SSA would determine if you could work at a different job given your age, education, work history and RFC. If not, you may be able to receive SSDI benefits.

Are you unable to work because you suffered a traumatic brain injury? Our Roswell Social Security disability lawyers can file your application and help you prove you qualify for SSDI benefits. To find out more about how we can assist you, call our Roswell office or start a live chat to schedule your free consultation today.