If you have a sensory and speech disorder that negatively affects your hearing, vision, or speech, you may be eligible for monthly disability benefits. However, not all sensory and speech disabilities are eligible for benefits. Applicants need to show they’ve been diagnosed with a disability and can no longer earn a living because of their symptoms.
Navigating the process of obtaining Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can be challenging. If you have questions about whether you’re eligible for benefits because of an eligible sensory and speech disorder, the compassionate attorneys at Disability Advocates Group are here to help. Contact Disability Advocates Group to schedule a free case evaluation.
Contact a Los Angeles Senses and Speech Disorder Attorney
Are you unable to earn a living due to a sensory and speech disorder? Speaking with an attorney can help you understand your legal rights. If you are eligible for benefits, the skilled Los Angeles disability attorneys at Disability Advocates Group can help you submit a comprehensive application for benefits. When you work with us, you can rest assured that we will handle every aspect of your case, from applying to appealing a denial of your claim, if necessary. Contact Disability Advocates Group today to learn more about how we can help you.
Sensory-Related Disorders Referenced in the Special Senses and Speech Section
The Social Security Administration uses a manual known as the “Blue Book” to determine whether an applicant’s disability is eligible for Social Security benefits. The Blue Book has a special sensory and speech section that lists specific disorders eligible for benefits. However, it’s important to remember that being diagnosed with one of these disorders does not guarantee your eligibility.
The examiner reviewing your claim will consider the medical documentation you provided to decide how your disorder impacts your ability to work and whether it prohibits you from performing any type of work. Some of the specific medical conditions listed in the sensory and speech section include the following:
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
- Loss of vision
- Auditory processing disorder
- Inability to speak
- Meniere’s disease
- Hearing loss
Pursuing Social Security Benefits Due to a Speech Disorder
If you cannot speak because of a medical diagnosis, you may have a strong case for obtaining disability benefits. Suppose your inability to speak is because of physical impairment. In that case, you may not be able to obtain benefits if you can utilize equipment to help you speak and successfully obtain gainful employment.
For example, if you can use an electronic voice articulation device, it may be challenging to show that you cannot work. However, if you are unable to speak because of a neurological challenge, you will need further evaluation. Some of the speech disorders that can serve as a basis for disability include the following:
- Stutter
- Voice impairment
- Phonemic impairment
- Muteness
- Dysprosody
- Dysarthria
- Articulation impairment
- Apraxia of speech
- Aphasia
Hearing Disorders and SSDI Benefits
Regarding disability benefits related to hearing loss, the Social Security Administration will evaluate a claimant’s hearing by his or her ability to distinguish speech and hearing. The claimant will need to undergo a hearing loss test with an audio meter that meets the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards.
Similarly, there is a qualifying test to determine the claimant’s speech discrimination. Test results must be reported to the Social Security Administration. Before the hearing test, the claimant will need to undergo an otolaryngologic exam by a qualified audiologist or otolaryngologist.
Qualifying for Benefits with Vertigo
Vertigo, also described as an inability to stand, can make it impossible for a person to drive, stand for any length of time, and perform any type of work. If you’ve received a diagnosis of vertigo, you may be entitled to Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration will conduct tests to determine the severity of your vertigo and the frequency of your bouts with vertigo. Many applicants need to undergo medical image testing to substantiate the severity of their vertigo.
Impaired Vision
When a claimant has been deemed legally blind in both eyes, there’s a good chance he or she will be considered disabled and eligible for SSDI benefits. If you are struggling with visual impairment but aren’t completely blind, you may still be eligible. However, you will need to show that your vision loss makes it impossible for you to continue working.
The Social Security examiner will analyze your medical documentation and decide the extent to which your vision loss has limited your impact on work. as with other criteria. You may need to complete multiple vision tests as you move through the application process. The Social Security Administration will attempt to determine if your vision impairment could be corrected through contact lenses, glasses, or surgery to the point that you could work.
What It Takes to Qualify for Senses and Speech Disorder Benefits
When a person has a severe sensory impairment that directly impacts their ability to work, they may be eligible for disability benefits. Nevertheless, the process of obtaining benefits requires jumping through multiple hoops. If your sensory-related disability meets one of the listings in the Blue Book, and you can prove that your impairment satisfies the requirements of that specific listing, you will be eligible. If your disability isn’t specifically listed, you can still become eligible by showing that your impairment limits the degree to which you can perform any work safely and reasonably.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Los Angeles Disability Attorney
You may qualify for benefits through the Social Security Administration if you have been diagnosed with a vision, speech, or other sensory-related disorder. You will need to apply for benefits. Many first-time applications are denied, so most applicants need to appeal their applications.
When you work with the skilled Los Angeles disability attorneys at Disability Advocates Group, you can rest assured that we will handle every aspect of your claim. Our knowledgeable attorneys will answer your questions, gather evidence in your favor, and handle any appeals you may need to make. Contact Disability Advocates Group today to schedule an initial consultation.
