MIXED DEMENTIA & WINNING DISABILITY BENEFITS

WHAT IS MIXED DEMENTIA & DOES IT QUALIFY FOR BENEFITS?

If you or someone you love has mixed dementia, then you may be wondering whether Social Security Disability benefits are available. The answer is yes. But winning SSD benefits requires you to prove the severity of your condition under the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) strict medical guidelines. This article explains how to do that. It also explains your other options.

At our SSD law firm, we understand how difficult a diagnosis of mixed dementia can be. You are experiencing memory loss and cognitive decline, but also your family is experiencing your symptoms too. Our goal is to help you win the financial benefits you need to secure your future. Not only do SSD benefits provide money, they also provide health insurance in the form of Medicaid or Medicare benefits.

Mixed dementia is a condition in which a person shows signs of more than one type of dementia. The most common form combines Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. However, some patients also show symptoms of Lewy body dementia or frontotemporal dementia. This makes mixed dementia complex to diagnose and manage.

However, it is also more common than many people realize, especially in older adults. What makes mixed dementia particularly challenging is that it often leads to a more rapid decline in both cognitive and physical function.

UNDERSTANDING THE SYMPTOMS OF MIXED DEMENTIA

The symptoms of mixed dementia often overlap with those of other cognitive disorders. This can make diagnosis difficult. Patients may experience memory loss, confusion, and difficulty making decisions. They might have trouble finding the right words or become easily confused. Additionally, they may show signs of personality change.

In some cases, symptoms may include problems with motor function or balance issues. These symptoms can interfere with your ability to perform everyday tasks. Certainly, these symptoms can make it impossible to maintain employment. Because mixed dementia affects multiple areas of the brain, it frequently progresses more quickly than Alzheimer’s disease alone.

Medical treatment for mixed dementia focuses on managing the symptoms rather than curing the disease. Doctors may prescribe medications  to help with memory and thinking problems, especially when Alzheimer’s is present. At the same time, vascular dementia may be treated by managing underlying health issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

TREATMENT FOR MIXED DEMENTIA

Treatment for mixed dementia often includes strategies aimed at your quality of life. Occupational therapy can help maintain the ability to perform basic tasks, such as dressing, cooking, or managing medications. Speech and language therapy help if you have difficulty with communication.

Structured daily routines and environmental changes—such as labeling drawers, using memory aids, and daily therapy—can reduce confusion. All of these treatments can help people remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. These supportive strategies are most effective when they focus on your specific symptoms and living situation.

Family involvement is also a key part of care. As the disease progresses, individuals with mixed dementia often require ongoing assistance. Caregiver education and emotional support play a crucial role in managing behavioral symptoms. In later stages, families may need to consider long-term care options, including memory care facilities or skilled nursing homes.

Unfortunately, the cost of ongoing care—combined with being unable to work—places financial strain on families. This is why early application for SSD benefits is essential to secure financial stability and access medical treatment.

THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SSDI AND SSI BENEFITS

If you have mixed dementia, then you should apply for SSDI and SSI benefits. The following paragraphs explain the differences between SSDI and SSI benefits.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):  

SSDI benefits are for those who have worked and can no longer work at any job due to their medical condition. The amount of money you will receive from SSDI benefits is based on how much Social Security tax you have paid during your work history.

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 will 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.

SSDI benefits come with Medicare benefits. Learn information about Medicare benefits.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI):  

SSI is a needs based benefit. It is for those people with little to no income, such as children and the elderly. Anyone who makes more than a certain amount of money per month 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 $5000 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. SSI benefits come with Medicaid, which is a form of health insurance. Learn information about Medicaid benefits.

You can file an application for both SSDI and SSI benefits on Social Security’s website. Applying is easy to do. However, if you need help, then we can help you. Find out how to file for SSD benefits.

MEETING SSA LISTING 12.02 FOR MIXED DEMENTIA

To qualify for SSDI benefits based on mixed dementia, you must meet the SSA’s Listing 12.02 for Neurocognitive Disorders. This listing is found in the SSA’s Blue Book and is the primary standard used to evaluate mixed dementia. In order to meet this listing, you need medical evidence showing that your condition has caused a decline in cognitive function. For example, is there a decline in your memory, concentration, language, judgment, and social awareness. Your records should also demonstrate that this decline affects your ability to work. It should also show a decline in your ability to interact with others. Finally, there should be a decline in your ability to manage daily activities and adapt to change.

In practical terms, proving that you meet Listing 12.02 usually requires detailed records from doctors and other mental health professionals. Neuropsychological testing, MRI or CT scans, and evaluations from experts are strong evidence in an SSD case. The SSA will also consider statements from family members. They also consider statements from employers who can attest to how your symptoms impact your ability to work. Our lawyers help you gather all the records and prepare your application so you have the best possible chance of success.

MIXED DEMENTIA IS A COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCE

The SSA recognizes Mixed Dementia as a Compassionate Allowance (CAL) condition. This means that if you have a  diagnosis of mixed dementia, then you may qualify for faster approval of your SSD benefits. The Compassionate Allowance program is supposed to make the claims process faster for people with severe medical conditions. If your application includes strong medical evidence—such as cognitive testing and a clear diagnosis of mixed dementia—then the SSA may process your claim in just a few months instead of two years.

Because mixed dementia often leads to rapid cognitive decline, the SSA states that those with mixed dementia should not have to wait  to receive the help they need. However, even though CAL claims are faster, they still require that you submit all of your medical records. Medical records must clearly outline the diagnosis, symptoms, and outcome of the disease. Our lawyers work closely with clients and their doctors to make sure every claim includes the right information to get through the five step disability review process quickly.

MIXED DEMENTIA AND YOUR RESIDUAL FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY

If a person with mixed dementia does not meet Social Security’s medical listing, they may still qualify for benefits. Instead of the listing, they can use their RFC. The SSA defines your residual functional capacity (RFC) using your medical records.

The RFC is what a person can still do despite their symptoms. Mixed dementia affects memory, focus, language, and the ability to plan or carry out tasks. As the condition gets worse, people may struggle to follow directions and stay on task. They may also struggle or get along with others at work. These problems make it very hard to hold a job.

This RFC is part of step four of the SSD review process. It allows the SSA to consider how the symptoms of mixed dementia limit the ability to work. Mixed dementia frequently causes a decline in multiple areas, including memory, attention, language, and planning ability. As the disease progresses individuals often struggle to follow simple instructions. They may also struggle to maintain focus on tasks and interact with supervisors and other workers. These limitations determine whether a person can continue to work in any competitive job.

The RFC assessment takes into account all of the evidence in the record, including reports from your doctor, evaluations, brain imaging, and psychological testing. It also includes statements from family members. First, the SSA evaluates whether you can still perform your past work. If not, the SSA will consider whether you can adjust to other work in the national economy.  If the RFC shows that the you cannot work 40 hours a week, then the SSA award benefits.

THE VOCATIONAL EXPERT IS A WITNESS AT YOUR HEARING

The VE is an expert witness at your SSA hearing. Typically, the Social Security Judge calls a VE to testify so that the Judge can learn how your RFC impacts your ability to work. The Judge calls the expert to come to your hearing to talk about jobs.  Those jobs include your past jobs and any jobs the judge thinks you can do. You will know that a VE is going to testify because your hearing notice will contain their information. VEs have training in job placement. They also understand the numbers and types of jobs that exist in the nation. They are also at the hearing to answer questions about jobs in the national economy.

Once the Judge finishes asking you questions about your medical conditions, she will decide what you are capable of doing during an 8 hour work day. As you know, this is your RFC. Once again, your RFC is the definition of what you can physically and mentally do during an 8 hour work day.  Therefore, your answers to the questions at the hearing are very important. As are the medical records you submit. Your medical records need to support your testimony about what you can and can’t do.

The Judge combines your hearing testimony and the symptoms from your medical records to determine how your medical conditions impact you on the job. At the end of your hearing, the Judge will ask the VE questions. Likewise, your attorney will ask questions. Your attorney can also question the VE. Often it is VE testimony that determines whether you win or lose your SSDI and SSI benefits.

WHAT WE DO TO HELP YOU WIN SSD BENEFITS

If you have mixed dementia disease, you do not need to try to win SSD benefits by yourself. We can help file your SSD application. Also, we can help you appeal every SSA denial. For example, our attorneys and staff can:

• Send you the paperwork and forms you need to become our client
• Help you file your application for SSD and SSI benefits
• Inform the SSA they should pay your benefits under the Compassionate Allowance Rules
• Request an appeal if you receive a denial
• Help you confirm your SSA doctor exam
• Request a Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge
• Prepare you to testify at your ALJ hearing
• Represent you at your SSD hearing and question the expert witnesses
• Read about job expert testimony
• Learn about medical expert testimony
• Request review of an SSA decision with the Appeals Council
• Request review of an Appeals Council denial in Federal Court

If you file your application for benefits on Social Security’s website, then you have 6 months to complete it. Do not to take that long to finish it. Once you submit your application online, the SSA sends you an application summary in the mail. You must sign the summary and mail it back. If you need help to file your application, then we will help you.

IS IT WORTH THE ATTORNEY FEE TO HIRE AN SSD LAWYER?

It isn’t easy to get Social Security benefits and the application process can be frustrating for most people. But, having an attorney throughout the five step SSA review process can make it easier. When you have a law firm with experience handling your Social Security claim, the SSA follows their own procedures.

Additionally, when you have an attorney with legal experience, they will have access to Social Security’s decisions throughout the process. They can also submit medical evidence that may be missing from your case.

Hiring an attorney with the proper legal experience triples your chance of winning SSDI benefits. It is also smart to hire an attorney to help you during your hearing. After all, you are the star witness. If you hire an attorney with experience, they can prepare you to testify. Learn how to prepare for your SSD hearing.

WHY YOU NEED TO HIRE THE BEST SSD LAW FIRM

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits for mixed dementia is not easy. The SSA denies the majority of initial applications. Most people who apply for benefits face long delays and multiple appeals. That’s why working with an experienced SSD lawyer can make a critical difference. At our law firm, we understand how to present your case in a way that meets SSA requirements. We know what medical evidence you need to submit to the SSA.

You don’t want to take a chance with your finances and simply rely on the SSA to grant your benefits. Be proactive. Hire the best SSD law firm and the lawyers who have the most experience fighting the SSA. Our law firm has been in business for over thirty years. During the time, we have won SSD benefits for over 20,000 clients.

You only pay us an attorney if we win your benefits. That is right. You pay nothing unless we win your case. Wouldn’t it be great if all lawyers were paid this way? Our team will help you gather medical records, obtain letters from your doctors, and prepare you for your SSA hearing. Also, we will represent you before an Administrative Law Judge and argue your case using the SSA’s rules.

If you or a family member has mixed dementia and can no longer work, then don’t wait to file for SSD benefits. Contact Cannon Disability Law for a free review of your case. We are here to help you win the benefits you deserve.