There are some illnesses that can make leading a normal life difficult and limiting. Not only do such medical conditions cause significant physical discomfort, but they also make it impossible for the patient to hold a job. What sometimes happens as a result is that the patient, and the patient’s family, experience financial problems, such as significant medical expenses and lost wages. An example of such an illness, which some residents in Michigan may have experienced, is Parkinson’s disease.
According to the Parkinson’s Action Network, which is a nonprofit organization that works on behalf of the nationwide Parkinson’s community for better treatment and cure, Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder. It is a part of the group of disorders that are related to the human motor system. Disorders of the motor system, in turn, are a result of the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. Dopamine is the chemical that facilitates communication between brain cells.
Fortunately, the Social Security Administration or SSA acknowledges the challenges that Parkinson’s disease patients experience. In fact, in February 2014, the SSA reviewed the definition and eligibility criteria for Parkinson’s disease. The updates caused significant changes and the SSA now needs to determine the disability that stems from Parkinson’s disease before it will grant the applicant Social Security disability benefits.
Unfortunately, although the SSA offers SSD benefits for Parkinson’s disease, there are many who experience difficulties when they actually apply and start interacting with the SSA. SSD benefit applications related to the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease are often rejected because of lack of adequate evidence. Therefore, it may be a wise decision to file the claim only after thoroughly understanding the application process from an attorney who may also act as the applicant’s personal representative.
Source: Parkinson’s Action Network, “Social Security Disability,” Accessed on Aug. 10, 2015