Stroke is a leading cause of disability in the United States, impacting the lives of millions of people every year. For many stroke survivors, the road to recovery is long and arduous. Proper medical and rehabilitative care can help a person recover and get back to normal life, but this care comes at a cost. Fortunately, disability for a stroke can provide the financial support necessary to put a stroke survivor’s finances back on track.
At Schaffer & Associates, we are passionate about advocating for the rights of disabled individuals. If you had a stroke that left you unable to work, we can help guide you through the process of securing the disability benefits you need. As the law firm of choice among disabled individuals, we understand how to craft the strongest case on your behalf. To learn more about how we can help you obtain disability benefits for a stroke in Toledo, consider contacting us.
A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, resulting in a lack of oxygen to tissue in the brain. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke, as early action is key to preventing brain damage and complications. While the signs and symptoms of a stroke vary from person to person, the F.A.S.T. warning signs are used to identify and respond to the incident. F.A.S.T. stands for:
While the F.A.S.T. test is typically effective for identifying a stroke, individuals may exhibit a range of other symptoms. Some of the common symptoms of stroke include:
A stroke can cause life-altering brain damage and long-term disability. After having a stroke, a medical professional will provide information about the severity of the stroke and the types of complications a person may experience in the aftermath of the incident. Every person’s life is impacted differently after having a stroke, with some individuals experiencing problems with memory or concentration, seizures, or even loss of vision, hearing, or touch. In some cases, stroke patients may struggle with loss of strength or dangerous blood clots that put them at risk for further complications down the line.
Having a stroke can make everyday activities difficult and impact a person’s ability to work. The physical and emotional changes that occur after a stroke can be debilitating, and adjusting to new routines can be understandably stressful for many individuals. Stroke patients and their families may require additional support to help recover following the incident. This support may be in the form of rehabilitative care, occupational and speech therapy, and/or financial assistance to cover lost wages and medical treatment.
The Social Security Administration does consider stroke to be a disabling condition. If you are unable to work, or expect to be unable to work, for 12 months or more following your stroke, you may be a good candidate for disability benefits in Toledo. Obtaining disability for a stroke requires that you prove that the residual symptoms, limitations, and complications of your stroke prevent you from engaging in gainful activity. An experienced attorney can help you understand whether your residual effects meet the criteria for disability benefits.
A transient ischemic attack, known as a mini stroke, has signs and symptoms similar to that of a regular stroke. These symptoms tend to last for a few minutes to an hour and many people do not seek immediate medical attention for a mini stroke. While the signs and symptoms of a mini stroke do not always feel serious, they should never be ignored and may indicate a larger problem related to blood supply to the brain.
Unlike a stroke, transient ischemic attacks generally do not cause permanent damage. Since the majority of people who have a mini stroke are still able to work, qualifying for disability after a mini stroke is unlikely. There are exceptions to this, however. If you experience persistent mini strokes and operate heavy machinery, for example, you may be eligible for disability benefits.
In this case, the Social Security Administration will compare your physical and mental abilities with those of other individuals in your age group with similar educational and professional backgrounds to determine if you can adjust to another type of work. If your abilities or limitations prevent you from securing a different type of occupation, you may be able to receive disability benefits in Toledo for a stroke.
The Social Security listing for stroke is Listing 11.04, Vascular Insult to the Brain. You may qualify for disability benefits under this listing if you meet any one of the following three criteria:
To qualify for disability benefits in Toledo for a stroke, these complications must have persisted for three months or more prior to filing a claim, as the Social Security Administration wants to be sure that your impairment is long-term. Moreover, the residual effects of the stroke must be projected to last at least 12 months.
Even if your condition does not exactly fit the criteria outlined in the Social Security listing for stroke, you may still be found to be disabled if your symptoms prevent you from working. Similarly, if you suffer from vision loss or other physical impairments due to your stroke, you may qualify for benefits under other listings.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that stroke-related costs total over $50 billion in the United States. Between medical expenses, rehabilitative care, and missed days of work, the cost of having a stroke is significant. As such, it is important to apply for disability benefits following a stroke to help offset these costs. When applying for disability benefits, you will be required to prove that your symptoms and complications have prevented you from working and will continue to prevent you from working for 12 months or more.
If you are considering applying for disability benefits, ensure that you maintain detailed medical records that describe your symptoms and limitations. These records should include information about diagnostic testing as well as any medications you have taken and rehabilitative care you have received as a result of your stroke. Seeing your doctor regularly and keeping of your appointments will be key to proving your claim for benefits. Some evidence that may be required by the Social Security Administration to prove your disability may include:
Considering that many claims for disability for a stroke in Toledo are delayed or denied due to insufficient evidence, it is important to submit as much documentation as possible to ensure that you receive the benefits you need and deserve. Your attorney can help you organize the necessary medical evidence to support your claim and ensure that you receive benefits as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Navigating the process of filing a disability claim can be stressful and time-consuming. These benefits can provide you and your family with the consistent support and stability necessary to regain control of your life and your finances following a stroke. Seeking assistance from an experienced attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case, ensuring that you are able to receive the benefits you need for you and your family. At Schaffer & Associates, we apply our in-depth knowledge and expertise to help disabled workers secure disability benefits for a stroke in Toledo as swiftly as possible. Call today.