If you or someone you love were recently diagnosed with stiff person syndrome and you’re wondering whether it may qualify for Social Security disability benefits, this video is for you.
My name is Kaitlin Wildoner and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better.
Today we’re going to discuss stiff person syndrome and when it may qualify for Social Security disability benefits, particularly through the compassionate allowance program. Stiff person syndrome is a rare neurological disorder with features of an autoimmune disease. Stiff person syndrome tends to be associated with other conditions, such as diabetes and thyroiditis, or even breast cancer and epilepsy.
While stiff person syndrome can begin at any age, it is most commonly found in individuals between the ages of 30 and 50. Individuals with stiff person syndrome may experience frequent falls with severe injuries because they lack the “normal” defensive reflexes. Stiff person syndrome can also occur in children – including infants – but that presentation is different from the way it presents in adults.
Social Security will often evaluate adult stiff person syndrome cases under listing 11.17, whereas for pediatric cases of stiff person syndrome, Social Security will look to listing 111.17. When evaluating stiff person syndrome cases, Social Security will look at the clinical history and exams that describe the features of the impairment. They will also look for any progression of neurological symptoms, what the response to medication has been, and any other tests that may rule out other causes of the stiffness, such as EMG studies and special antibody testing.
Additionally, if it is a minor child that’s applying for disability benefits based on stiff person syndrome, the child’s parents must also meet the income and asset requirements of SSI or at least one of the child’s parents must currently be disabled, retired, or deceased, and receiving Social Security benefits on their own record.
Thanks so much for watching. If you’re disabled and unable to work, click the scheduling link here or give us a call directly for a free consultation where we discuss your case and see what I can do to help you.
