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How Social Security Evaluates Sensory and Speech Disorders
The Social Security Administration considers how special senses and speech impairments affect your ability to work and communicate. To qualify for benefits, your condition must be severe enough to prevent substantial employment for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. Proper medical documentation of your diagnosis, treatments, and limitations is crucial for approval.
Loss of Speech
Speech impairments can qualify for disability benefits when they severely limit your ability to communicate. The SSA evaluates your ability to produce speech that others can understand. Medical evidence must show ongoing speech difficulties despite treatment. This may include conditions like aphasia, apraxia, or dysarthria that affect speech production and comprehension.
Hearing Loss
Profound hearing loss or deafness can qualify for disability benefits, particularly when it affects both ears. The SSA considers factors such as word recognition scores and auditory testing results. Your medical documentation should demonstrate how hearing loss impacts your ability to communicate and work effectively.
Vision Problems
Vision impairments can qualify for benefits when they significantly affect your ability to work. The SSA evaluates factors such as visual acuity, field of vision, and color perception. Conditions like retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy may qualify when they cause severe visual limitations despite treatment.
Balance Disorders
Disorders affecting your sense of balance, such as Meniere’s disease or vestibular neuritis, can qualify for disability benefits. The SSA considers factors like frequent falls, vertigo episodes, and how these symptoms impact your ability to work safely and consistently.
Combined Sensory Impairments
Some individuals experience multiple sensory impairments that together create significant workplace limitations. The SSA evaluates the combined impact of these conditions on your ability to perform work activities and maintain employment.
How Our Attorneys Help with Special Senses and Speech Claims
Securing disability benefits for sensory and speech impairments requires detailed medical evidence and understanding of SSA requirements. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through the process by:
- Reviewing your medical documentation to ensure it properly supports your claim
- Working with your healthcare providers to gather necessary evidence
- Preparing you for any required examinations or hearings
- Managing communication with the SSA throughout your case
