How The SSA Determines If You're Disabled With Dementia

If you are suffering from dementia, you may experience a decline in your day-to-day functioning. While dementia is a condition that is often developed in older adults, anyone can suffer from it. If you are suffering from dementia, you may experience a long-term decline in your ability to function and this can affect your ability to hold down a job.

Symptoms of Dementia

If you are suffering from dementia, you likely have difficulties with your memory, you may struggle to pay attention and listen to instructions from others, you might struggle to use words correctly, and you might not have good social judgment. All of this can make it more difficult for you to complete tasks and work jobs that require that you interact with the public.

Another effect of dementia is a loss of coordination. You might find it difficult to maintain your balance or grasp objects. This can be detrimental in any workplace and is especially a problem if you must perform physical labor. If you are suffering from this condition, you will need to discuss with a disability attorney whether you are entitled to SSDI benefits.

Qualifications for SSDI Benefits

The SSA will want to know the extent of your functionality and limitations, and whether you are able to obtain substantial gainful employment. You will need to prove that you will not be able to work for a very long time or that your condition will lead to your death. However, dementia is listed as a disability under neurocognitive disorders. 

You may be able to perform simple and unskilled work even if you have poor memory. However, if your SSDI lawyer is able to prove that your cognitive abilities have declined to such an extent that you cannot work at all, you may be considered disabled on this basis alone.

Evidence of Your Disability

Your claim might still be denied if you are not able to prove that you are suffering from the condition. For this reason, you will always want to consult with a social security disability lawyer who can help you make sure that you are presenting enough evidence that you are disabled. 

For example, your SSDI lawyer will present the SSA with test results that can allow them to determine that you actually suffer from a condition. You may also be taking medications that have side effects that prevent you from working. If any of this is the case, a disability lawyer will make sure that you present this information.

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