BRAIN ANEURYSM & SSDI BENEFITS
WHAT IS A BRAIN ANEURYSM?
A brain aneurysm is a weak spot in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain that bulges out and fills with blood. Many people with a brain aneurysm do not experience symptoms. Therefore, the condition may go unnoticed until it ruptures. A brain aneurysm is a medical emergency because it causes bleeding in the brain. A rupture can lead to severe headaches, vision problems, nausea, and confusion.
Because of the serious risks associated with a rupture, those with brain aneurysms may face a significant impact on their daily lives. For example, they may develop neurological problems or require surgery. For those struggling with these medical challenges, filing for Social Security Disability benefits may provide the financial support to manage ongoing care and recovery.
If you have ongoing symptoms from a brain aneurysm, then you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI benefits. However, it must prevent you from working at any job for over one year. If you expect that you will not be able to return to work, then you should file an application for disability benefits.
FILING APPLICATION FOR SSDI & SSI BENEFITS
If you have a brain aneurysm that keeps you from working, then there are two benefits for which you can file an application: SSDI and SSI benefits. You can file an application on Social Security’s website. Below, you can find an explanation as to each type of 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 will receive from SSDI benefits is based on your earnings during your work history.
To qualify for SSDI, you must have 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 those people with little to no income, such as children and the elderly. Anyone who makes greater than a certain income per month cannot receive SSI benefits. The SSA counts the income of those in your house, not just your income and assets. The same applies if you have significant assets. If you have a boat, a cabin, and a motorcycle, then you don’t qualify for SSI.
If you have a spouse who earns $5000 a month, then that amount of income prevents 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.
SYMPTOMS OF A BRAIN ANEURYSM
Not all aneurysms rupture, but even unruptured aneurysms can create serious problems. Depending on their size and location, they may press on nearby nerves or brain tissue. This pressure may create neurological symptoms. Because aneurysms are unpredictable, they represent a significant health risk that can interfere with your ability to work.
Symptoms depend largely on whether the aneurysm has ruptured. A ruptured aneurysm usually presents with a sudden, severe headache that patients often describe as the “worst headache of their life.” Other symptoms may include nausea, blurred vision, seizures, and loss of consciousness. This is a medical emergency and can result in death if not treated right away.
An unruptured aneurysm, on the other hand, may cause subtler symptoms. These can include pain around the eye, changes in vision, double vision, drooping eyelids, or weakness. Even when the aneurysm has not ruptured, these symptoms can interfere with concentration, balance, memory.
For people who survive a rupture, there can be severe long term issues. For example, many experience weakness on one side of the body. Additionally, you may have problems speaking, finding words, memory problems, or cognitive issues. These issues often make it impossible to return to your prior job or any job.
TREATMENT FOR BRAIN ANEURYSMS
The treatment you undergo depends on the size and location of your brain aneurysm. For some people, surgical clipping or endovascular coiling is done to prevent rupture. Both procedures carry risks. For example, you could have a stroke or infection. Recovery can be lengthy and you may need rehabilitation.
Even after successful treatment, many people continue to experience lasting effects. Fatigue, cognitive decline, speech difficulties, and mobility issues are common. Some patients also struggle with depression or anxiety related to the trauma of having a brain hemorrhage. These ongoing limitations are important when considering whether you qualify for disability benefits, as they may prevent full time employment.
SSA’S LISTING 11.04 FOR BRAIN ANEURYSM
The SSA does not have a separate listing for brain aneurysm. Instead, the SSA uses Listing 11.04, Vascular Insult to the Brain. This listing covers damage that results from events such as strokes, hemorrhages, or the rupture of an aneurysm. If you suffer from a brain aneurysm that ruptures, or if you have lasting issues from surgery or other treatments, then your symptoms may qualify listing 11.04.
To meet Listing 11.04, you must show medical evidence that your aneurysm has caused long term neurological damage. The SSA requires that your symptoms last at least three months despite treatment. In particular, you must demonstrate one of the following:
- An extreme limitation in the ability to control movement of two extremities, such as an arm and a leg. This limitation must cause serious difficulty in standing up, walking, or using your hands and arms.
- A marked limitation in physical or mental function. This could mean trouble understanding or remembering information, problems dealing with others, difficulty concentrating or maintaining pace, or an inability to adapt to changes and manage daily activities.
For many people, a brain aneurysm can leave lasting damage even after emergency surgery or other medical intervention. Problems with speech, memory, and emotional regulation are common. If your medical records show these types of ongoing symptoms, then you may be able to meet Listing 11.04 and qualify for benefits.
EQUALING A LISTING UNDER 11.02 FOR SEIZURES
Even if you do not meet Listing 11.04 for vascular insult to the brain, it is possible to qualify for benefits if your condition equals another listing. For many people with a history of brain aneurysm, seizures can occur. In that situation, the SSA may evaluate your claim under Listing 11.02 for Epilepsy.
Listing 11.02 covers different types of seizures, including generalized tonic-clonic seizures and focal seizures. To meet this listing, you must show that you have seizures despite treatment. The SSA requires very specific medical records about the frequency and type of seizures. For example, if you experience seizures at least once a month for three months in a row, or focal seizures at least once a week for three months, then you may qualify under this listing.
However, in many brain aneurysm cases, your seizures may not happen as often as the listing requires. That is where equaling a listing becomes important. If your seizure activity is less frequent but combined with other serious symptoms—such as memory problems, balance issues, or difficulty with concentration—the SSA may decide that your condition is just as severe as Listing 11.02.
Equalling a listing can be a powerful argument in brain aneurysm cases. Especially when a ruptured aneurysm leads to seizure activity. The evidence of seizures with proof of other symptoms can show the SSA that your symptoms are severe enough to meet the intent of the listing.
BRAIN ANEURYSM AND YOUR RFC
If you do not meet or equal a listing, the SSA will still evaluate your residual functional capacity (RFC). This means they will look at what activity you can do still despite your symptoms and limits. For example, if you suffer from severe head pain, memory issues, or vision problems, then these may keep you from working.
If you can demonstrate to the SSA that you have physical or mental limits that prevent you from finishing an eight hour work day. In such cases, you may still qualify for benefits even without meeting a specific listing.
For someone with an aneurysm, an RFC review may consider many factors. The SSA will look at your ability to stand, walk, and sit for long periods. They will examine whether you can lift, carry, bend, or climb. If your aneurysm affects your brain, they will also assess your ability to remember information, follow instructions, and concentrate on tasks.
The RFC process is especially important for people with aneurysms that are stable but still cause significant limits. For example, your doctor may state you should not lift more than ten pounds, bend forward, or stand for long periods of time. If your job involved construction or warehouse work, then these restrictions would make your past work impossible. Even in seated jobs, fatigue, pain, or cognitive problems can interfere with performance.
HOW TO BUILD A STRONG DISABILITY CLAIM
A successful claim for a brain aneurysm requires consistent medical records. This means seeing your doctor regularly and following their treatment plan. Each visit should note your symptoms, any changes in your condition, and how well treatments are working.
It is also important to make sure the SSA receives all relevant records. Missing medical evidence is one of the most common reasons claims are denied. This includes the original test results, hospital records, and progress notes from medical experts. Work closely with your doctors to make sure your records are complete. It can make a major difference in the outcome of your case.
Judges have to base their decision on evidence. Medical evidence is the bedrock of your case. Once you have medical evidence, you can offer testimony to support your claim. If you do not have medical evidence, then you will not win your claim.
HOW THE BEST SSD LAW FIRM CAN HELP
Disability cases that involve a brain aneurysm can be complex. An attorney who is an expert in Social Security Disability law knows exactly what evidence to obtain. They also know how to present your evidence effectively. They can request and review all of your medical records. Additionally, they can ensure the SSA obtains statements from your doctors.
If your case goes to a hearing, then hire our SSD law firm. We have the legal experience to prepare you to testify. Your attorney can also question the SSA’s job expert and the medical expert at the hearing. They will argue your brain aneurysm meets or equals a listing. Additionally, they will show why your RFC prevents you from working.
Hiring the top SSD law firm triples your chances of approval. Especially if your case depends on showing that you cannot perform any type of work.
WHY YOU SHOULD HIRE OUR SSD LAW FIRM
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 appeal process can make it easier. When you have a law firm with experience handling your Social Security case, the SSA makes sure to follow 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. Your attorney can also give you advice about what you need to do to win your benefits.
If you need help winning your SSD benefits, then you have found the right law firm. You can learn about the attorneys at our law firm on our About Us page. In the past 30 years, we have won over 20,000 SSDI and SSI cases for our clients. Our experts can help you file for SSI benefits using the SSA’s website.
Contact our SSD law firm. Hire us to be on your legal team. We work hard for our clients. And, we have the experience you need to win your benefits for brain aneurysm.
