TOURETTE SYNDROME & DISABILITY
WINNING SSD BENEFITS FOR TOURETTE SYNDROME
Tourette Syndrome is a condition that affects children, teens, and adults across the world. While many people with Tourette’s live full lives, others struggle every day with symptoms that make work or attending school very difficult. Tourette symptoms can interfere with communication, concentration, social interaction, and the ability to complete daily tasks. When symptoms become severe, Tourette’s can prevent you from maintaining steady employment.
If you or someone you care about has Tourette Syndrome and cannot work, then you may qualify for SSD benefits. However, winning benefits for Tourette’s is not always easy. The SSA five step review process is long and confusing. Nevertheless, you are the person who must prove your disability to the SSA. Because Tourette’s symptoms can vary from day to day, the SSA may not always see how disabling your condition truly is.
At our SSD law firm, we help people with Tourette Syndrome win the SSD benefits they need to survive. This article will explain Tourette Syndrome. It will also explain how the SSA evaluates the condition and the evidence you need to submit to the SSA. If you are preparing to file for disability benefits, or you have already been denied, then this guide will help you understand what to do next.
WHAT IS TOURETTE SYNDROME?
Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder that begins in childhood. People with Tourette’s experience sudden, repeated movements called tics. These tics can be mild, moderate, or severe, and they often change in type or intensity over time. While some people have symptoms that decrease as they enter adulthood, others have tics that continue or even become worse. Because tics are involuntary, people with Tourette’s cannot control when they happen.
Motor tics may include blinking, jerking the head, shrugging the shoulders, tightening muscles, or other repetitive movements. Vocal tics may include humming, sniffing, coughing, or repeating words. In rare cases, a person may shout inappropriate words. However, this symptom is far less common than most people think. Many people experience both motor and vocal tics at the same time.
Tourette’s Syndrome is often linked with other mental or developmental conditions. These may include ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, depression, or learning disabilities. When someone has Tourette’s along with any of these other disorders, the combined symptoms can be incredibly disabling. These related conditions can make school, work, and daily living difficult. The goal in your SSD claim is to prove why your Tourette’s Syndrome makes it impossible for you to work at any job.
TOURETTE SYNDROME AFFECTS DAILY LIFE AND WORK
People who do not live with Tourette’s often misunderstand how disabling it can be. The condition not only affects physical movement and speech, it can also cause constant stress. The stress occurs because you cannot control when tics will happen. Everyday tasks—such as driving, typing, speaking with other workers, or attending a meeting, can become painful or embarrassing. Then, stress may increase the frequency or severity of tics. This can make work even harder.
Concentration is another major issue. A person with Tourette Syndrome may struggle to focus on tasks, especially if they also have ADHD or neurodevelopmental condition. Tics can interrupt their workflow, cause mistakes, or slow them down. In jobs that require precision, safety awareness, or public interaction, these interruptions can make the workplace dangerous.
Social challenges can also limit your ability to work. Many people with Tourette’s report being misunderstood, judged, or bullied because of their symptoms. This can lead to isolation, depression, or difficulty interacting with your boss, other workers, or customers. Social problems can make it nearly impossible to maintain a job, especially jobs that rely on communication or teamwork. When people with Tourette’s cannot function on the job, they may qualify for SSD benefits.
CAN YOU GET SSD BENEFITS FOR TOURETTE SYNDROME?
The short answer is yes. If you have severe Tourette Syndrome, then you can qualify for SSD benefits. However, Social Security does not automatically approve claims based on the diagnosis alone. You must show that your symptoms are strong enough to prevent you from working 40 hours a week. This means you must provide medical evidence that documents how the condition affects your life.
The SSA evaluates Tourette’s Syndrome under its neurological listings. While Tourette’s does not have its own separate listing, its symptoms fall under conditions that involve involuntary movement disorders or neurological symptoms that limit functioning. Because the listing rules can be difficult to understand, many people are denied even though they cannot work.
Even if you do not meet a listing under step three, the SSA must consider whether your symptoms limit your ability to perform basic work activities. If you cannot maintain attention, follow instructions, interact with others, or stay on task, then you may qualify for benefits. You can also qualify if tics interfere with your physical abilities, such as lifting, typing, or completing routine duties at a normal work pace.
HOW THE SSA EVALUATES TOURETTE SYNDROME
The SSA looks at how Tourette Syndrome affects your physical and mental health. They want to see how often your tics occur, how severe they are, and how they interrupt work. They also look at related conditions like ADHD, OCD, or anxiety, because these symptoms may combine to create a more serious impairments.
The agency evaluates how well you handle stress, follow directions, and interact with others. If you have difficulty in these areas, you must show proof through medical records. You will want your treating doctor to write a letter that discusses your severe symptoms. You can also submit school reports, psychological testing, or statements from people who see your symptoms every day.
In many cases, the SSA will send you to a free doctor exam. This is an appointment with a doctor hired by the SSA, not your own doctor. The exam is done at no cost to you. The purpose is to gather information about your symptoms. While these exams can help, they are usually short and may not reflect the true impact of your condition. This is why strong medical evidence from your treating doctors is essential to win your case.
THE MEDICAL EVIDENCE YOU NEED TO WIN YOUR CLAIM
Winning SSD benefits for Tourette Syndrome depends on good medical documentation. Social Security wants to see records from your treating doctor, psychologists, therapists, and any other medical experts who treat your symptoms. These records should show when your symptoms began. They should also show how often your tics occur and how they affect your daily life.
Detailed treatment notes are extremely important. These notes should explain the type of tics you experience, how long they last, and how severe they are. They should also describe related issues such as anxiety, depression, compulsions, or attention problems. The more detailed your records are, the easier it is for the SSA to understand why you cannot work.
In addition to medical records, statements from family members or employers can help. These statements should describe your symptoms, how often they happen, and how they limit your ability to complete tasks. If you were unable to keep a job because of your tics, then records your former employer can be helpful in proving your case.
WORK LIMITATIONS COMMONLY CAUSED BY TOURETTE’S SYNDROME
Tourette Syndrome affects each person differently. However, many individuals share similar work limitations. One major limitation is difficulty with concentration. Tics can interrupt tasks, cause you to lose track of instructions, or make it hard to absorb information. In jobs that require attention to detail or fast thinking, these interruptions can be disabling.
Another common limitation is communication. Vocal tics can interfere with speaking clearly, answering phones, or talking with customers. People with Tourette’s may also struggle with social skills, especially if they have other mental conditions like anxiety or OCD. This can make teamwork or interacting the boss very stressful.
Physical limitations may also appear. Motor tics can cause pain, fatigue, or injury. They may interfere with typing, lifting, driving, or operating machinery. In jobs that involve physical safety, these limitations can be dangerous. When a person cannot safely complete their tasks, they may be unable to work.
SSDI BENEFITS VERSUS SSI BENEFITS
There are two types of disability programs through the SSA: SSDI benefits and SSI benefits. Both programs provide monthly payments and access to health insurance, but they have different requirements. Understanding the difference can help you apply for the right program and avoid delays.
SSDI is based on your work history. You must have worked for at least five years out of the last 10 years. Additionally, you must have paid Social Security taxes to qualify. If you meet the work requirements and cannot work because of Tourette Syndrome, then you may receive benefits. SSDI also provides Medicare benefits after a 29 month waiting period.
SSI benefits are based on financial need. You do not need work credits to qualify for SSI benefits. Instead, the SSA looks at your income and resources to see if you meet their financial rules. SSI is often the program used for children with Tourette’s Syndrome. It is also for adults who have not been able to work enough to earn SSDI credits. SSI also provides Medicaid benefits in most states.
Some people qualify for both programs at the same time. This is called a concurrent claim for benefits. If you are unsure which program to apply for, we can guide you through the application process.
WHY DISABILITY CLAIMS FOR TOURETTE’S ARE OFTEN DENIED
Even if you have severe symptoms, the SSA may deny your claim. One common reason is lack of medical evidence. If your records do not clearly show how often your tics occur or how they limit you, then the agency may assume you can still work. This is why regular medical treatment and detailed records are so important.
Another reason for denial is that Tourette’s symptoms can appear invisible during short evaluations. If your symptoms are worse at home or under stress, then a doctor may not see the full picture.The SSA may assume your symptoms are mild, even if they truly are severe every day. This is especially common for people whose tics increase during social interactions, work pressure, or long periods of concentration.
Denials can also occur when you do not submit enough information about your other medical conditions. Many people with Tourette’s also have ADHD, anxiety, OCD, or depression. These conditions can be as disabling as the tics themselves. If you do not give the SSA records about all your conditions, then your case may appear weaker than it really is.
HOW TO APPEAL A DENIAL FOR TOURETTE SYNDROME
If Social Security denies your claim, then you have the right to appeal. The appeal process has several stages, and each step allows you to submit new evidence or explain your case more clearly. Many people win their benefits during the appeal process, especially at the hearing level before a judge. You should not give up just because you received a denial letter.
First, you must file your application for benefits. Almost 90% of claims are denied at the initial level. The next stage is to appeal. During the appeal stage, a new Social Security reviewer looks at your case. You can submit updated medical records, statements, or treatment notes. Many claims are denied again on appeal, but this step is required in most states.
The next step is a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is where many people win their cases. At the hearing, you can explain your symptoms, describe your work struggles, and answer questions from the judge. A medical expert and job expert may also testify at the hearing. Having an experienced disability lawyer at this stage triples your chances of success.
WORK WITH A DISABILITY ATTORNEY
Winning a disability case for Tourette Syndrome can be challenging without help. The rules are complex and the evidence requirements are strict. A disability attorney understands how to gather records, prepare arguments, and present your case in the strongest way possible. At our SSD law firm, we help clients through every step of the process.
An attorney can make sure your doctor provides the right medical statements. Doctors are not always familiar with Social Security’s requirements. They may not know which information is most important. A lawyer can guide them so they include details about your tics, related mental conditions, and treatment history.
During the hearing stage, an attorney can question expert witnesses and explain the legal standards to the judge. They will also help you prepare you to testify, so you can clearly describe how your condition affects you. With a lawyer’s help, you have a much better chance of winning your SSD benefits.
HIRE US TO WIN YOUR SSD BENEFITS
Tourette Syndrome can affect every part of life. When tics make it impossible to work, disability benefits can provide financial security and access to medical care. However, winning a disability case for Tourette’s takes strong evidence, consistent treatment, and the right legal support. Social Security does not approve claims based on diagnosis alone. You must prove how your symptoms limit your ability to function at work.
If you are struggling with Tourette’s, then you do not have to face the Social Security system alone. We have helpedover 20,000 people win SSDI and SSI benefits. We understand the challenges of Tourette Syndrome and know how to build a strong case. With the right guidance, you can improve your chances of receiving the benefits you deserve.
We are one of the best Social Security firms in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nevada SSDI and SSI Information is also available for you. Additionally, we are the best Social Security law firm in Utah. Learn about Utah SSD benefits. If you are from California, then review California SSDI information. However, we can represent you no matter where you live.
If you are ready to file for disability benefits or need help with an appeal, then contact our SSD law firm. Tourette Syndrome is a challenge, but we will support you every step of the way. We will fight for your right to a stable future.
