SYRINGOMYELIA & DISABILITY BENEFITS

WHAT IS SYRINGOMYELIA? 

Syringomyelia is a neurological condition where fluid filled cysts form within the spinal cord. As these cysts grow they damage the spinal cord. They can also damage the nerve fibers that carry impulses between your brain and body. If you have syringomyelia, then nerve damage may make it difficult to move your arms and legs. In some cases, the cyst grows into the brain stem and interferes with vital functions such as breathing.

Syringomyelia is a rare condition that develops slowly over time. Scientists estimate it affects about 8 to 10 individuals per 100,000 people in the general population. This means that in the United States, there may be about 25,000 to 40,000 people living with syringomyelia. However, because the disease is difficult to diagnose, that number may be closer to 100,00.

If your syringomyelia symptoms prevent you from working for at least one year, then you should file for SSDI and SSI benefits to replace your income. You can file an application on the SSA’s website.

YOU CAN APPLY FOR TWO TYPES OF SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

If you have syringomyelia, then there are two benefits you can file for: Social Security Disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income benefits. Below, you can find an explanation as to each type of available SSD benefit:

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):  

SSDI benefits are for those who can no longer work at any job due to a medical condition. The amount of money you receive from SSDI benefits every month is based on the Social Security taxes you paid while you were working.

To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned enough “work credits.” A work credit is an amount of taxable income. You can earn up to 4 work credits per year. The amount of work credits you need will depend on how old you are when you apply. If you haven’t earned enough work credits for your age at the time you apply, then you can only file for Supplemental Security Income benefits.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI):  

SSI is a needs based benefit. It is for people with little to no income, such as children and the elderly. Anyone with savings over $2000 or additional assets cannot receive SSI benefits. The SSA counts the income of those in your house, not just your income and assets.

If you have a spouse who earns more than $4000 a month, for example, then that income will prevent you from getting SSI benefits. You cannot be paid SSI benefits, no matter how severe your medical condition, if you do not meet the income and asset rules for SSI.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SYRINGOMYELIA?

Cysts from syringomyelia can grow bigger over time. Therefore, they can damage the spinal cord and cause a variety of symptoms.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back
• Weakness in the arms or legs
• Sensory issues such as numbness
• Stiffness in the back and legs
• Problems with balance

People with syringomyelia should avoid activities that can increase cranial or abdominal pressure. For example, you should avoid coughing, sneezing, and lifting heavy weights. Avoiding these activities prevent symptoms and further growth of the syrinx.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF SYRINGOMYELIA?

Syringomyelia often develops as a result of Chiari malformation, spinal cord injury, or other conditions affecting the spinal cord.  Because there are so many possible causes, it is important to determine the cause of your disease. That way your doctor can give you the correct treatment. Below is a list of some of the multiple causes for syringomyelia:

1. Chiari Malformation: This is one of the most common causes of the disease. It occurs when brain tissue extends into the spinal canal creating a blockage in the flow of your cerebrospinal fluid and the formation of a cyst or syrinx.
2. Spinal Cord Injury: Trauma to the spinal cord can lead to the development of a cyst in your spinal cord.
3. Tumors: Tumors within or near the spinal cord can block CSF flow, causing syringomyelia.
4. Infections: Infections that affect the spinal cord can lead to syrinx formation.
5. Congenital Disorders: Some people may be born with spinal cord problems cause them to develop syringomyelia.
6. Genetic mutations: A biological parent can pass down genes that cause or increase the risk of syringomyelia.
7. Syringobulbia: This condition involves a syrinx forming in the brain stem and can sometimes lead to syringomyelia.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR SYRINGOMYELIA?

Treatment for syringomyelia varies based on your symptoms, the underlying cause of the disease, and the size of your cyst. If symptoms are mild or the cyst is small, your doctor may chose to monitor the cyst with MRI scans.

For those with pain, medications can help relieve it. Also, physical therapy can improve your strength. When surgery is needed, surgery is often performed, especially for cases of Chiari malformation. Surgery reduces the pressure on the spinal cord and restores the normal flow of spinal fluid.

In some situations, a shunt may be placed to drain the cyst and decrease its size. If a tumor is causing the syringomyelia, your doctor may remove it with surgery. Following surgery, you may need physical therapy and assistive devices to help you perform your daily activities. Your treatment plan is personal to you and depends on your symptoms. Typically, you will require a team of doctors to give you treatment. You will need to visit the doctor on a regular basis, so your medical team can monitor your condition.

WHAT IS THE PROGNOSIS FOR SYRINGOMYELIA?

The prognosis for syringomyelia depends on your health or whether you have other medical conditions. After surgery, up to 80 percent of patients experience some level of relief from their pain. Unfortunately, about 20 percent of patients will get worse. Most people who undergo surgery will have some lasting symptoms even after surgery. Constant pain can be difficult to treat and it is one of the most common problems after cyst surgery.

MEETING SSA LISTING 11.08 FOR SYRINGOMYELIA

In the SSA’s “Blue Book” of medical conditions, there is a listing for spinal disorders. Since syringomyelia cysts occur in the spine, it is likely that the SSA will use listing 11.08  to review your case. If you meet listing 11.08, the SSA will award you benefits at step three of the review process. If you meet the listing, your case does not move to step four or step five of the SSA review process. This means the SSA will not have to determine whether you can work. They also don’t have to decide what type of jobs you could do. To meet the listing you must prove all of the criteria with medical records. Below is SSA listing 11.08:

11.08 Spinal cord disorders with A, B, or C:

A. Complete loss of function, lasting for 3 consecutive months after the disorder.

OR

B. Disorganization of motor function in two extremities, resulting in an extreme limitation in the ability to stand up from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, or use the upper extremities lasting for 3 consecutive months after the disorder.

OR

C. Marked limitation in physical function and in one of the following areas of mental function, both lasting for 3 consecutive months after the disorder:

1. Understand, remember, or apply information; or
2. Interacting with others; or
3. Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace; or
4. dapting or managing oneself.

Children can qualify for SSI benefits due to syringomyelia if they have medical records of one of the first two sets of symptoms under listing 111.08. Additionally, they meet also meet the financial requirements for the SSI program.

SYRINGOMYELIA AND YOUR RESIDUAL FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY

You can still qualify for SSDI and SSI benefits even if you don’t meet listing 11.08. You can win SSD benefits by showing that your functional limitations rule out all jobs. To define your residual functional capacity (RFC), the SSA reviews your medical records and decides what you can physically do in a work setting. They then use your RFC to determine what kind of work you can do at step four of the SSA review process,

Your RFC includes both your physical and mental limits. In terms of physical limits, the SSA tries to define your ability to sit, stand, walk, and lift, during the course of an 8 hour workday. Likewise, the SSA will include your ability to carry, pull, and push. Find out how the SSA defines work.

The SSA will take into account what your doctor states in your medical records about your ability to work. Additionally, the SSA has their own doctors review your records, but they never meet or examine you.

These doctors are paid by the government and they work for the state agency who makes decisions in all Social Security cases. The SSA will take the medical opinion of these doctors into account too. Likewise, if they need more information, they may send you to a medical exam. You do not have to pay for the medical exam. Learn what to expect at SSA’s doctor exam.

MEDICAL EVIDENCE WINS SSDI & SSI BENEFITS 

Medical evidence is the most important thing you need to prove that you deserve SSD benefits. If you need a medical opinion in your case, then make an appointment with your doctor. Ask your doctor to provide their medical opinion to the SSA about your ability to work. Your doctor can also order tests, like an MRI or CT scan, that prove your syringomyelia. This evidence wins your case.

However, what happens if you don’t have a treating doctor? If you can’t afford to see a doctor, then you still have options.

For example, you can apply for Medicaid benefits. Medicaid is a form of health insurance that will cover payment for the doctor and pay for medications.

Additionally, at a free clinic you could get treatment from a counselor, nurse, or a doctor. They can give you medication. If you have depression following a spinal cord injury, then you can get private therapy or group therapy. Finally, we have a list of free and low cost health clinics. Choose your state and call the free clinic for medical help:

• CALIFORNIA FREE AND LOW COST CLINICS
• COLORADO FREE AND LOW COST CLINICS
• IDAHO FREE AND LOW COST CLINICS
• NEVADA FREE AND LOW COST HEALTH CLINICS 
• UTAH FREE AND LOW COST HEALTH CLINICS 

Additionally, it is possible for the SSA to send you to an exam with one of their doctors. If the SSA sends you to a doctor exam, make sure you bring the things that help you walk or sit. For example, bring your cane or walker to the exam. Also, if you use a brace for your back or other part of your body, then wear it. Finally, remember that at the exam you could be under SSA investigation.

HIRE US FOR OUR YEARS OF SOCIAL SECURITY LEGAL EXPERIENCE

The SSA benefits application and appeal process can be long and frustrating. It certainly won’t be easier to deal with the SSA if you have syringomyelia. Hire our SSD law firm to give you legal advice and help you through the application process. In the past 30 years, we have won millions of dollars in ongoing and past due SSD benefits for our clients.

If you want to win benefits, then hire an attorney with the legal experience to win your case. You can hire us for no money down. This means we do not charge you any money up front to help you or for you to become our client. Then, you only pay us an attorney fee when you win benefits. If you don’t win, then you don’t pay an attorney fee. Learn how attorney fees work in this process. For help, contact us.

If you want to learn more about our lawyers and staff, then review our About Us page. We have won over 20,000 SSDI and SSI claims for our clients. Our attorneys practice in Utah, Nevada, Idaho, and California. However, we can represent you where you live.

Don’t wait to contact our law firm, because your monthly benefit doesn’t start until you file your application for benefits. Therefore, every day you wait to apply is a day you lose money. Call now and start the process to win SSDI and SSI benefits for your syringomyelia.