Parkinsonian Syndrome and SSDI Eligibility

Parkinsonian syndrome is a progressive neurological condition that affects your movement. It is characterized by symptoms including tremors, muscle rigidity, and bradykinesia, which is a significant slowness of movement. These symptoms arise from the loss of nerve cells in specific areas of your brain that control motor function.

In daily life, this condition often makes it difficult to perform basic tasks like walking, balancing, or using your hands for fine motor activities. The physical toll can make sustaining full-time work challenging, as your symptoms often fluctuate and worsen over time. Simple actions like standing from a chair or gripping objects may become impossible to perform consistently.

Under Listing 11.06, the SSA evaluates whether your condition causes a disorganization of motor function in two extremities. This means you must show an extreme limitation in your ability to stand up from a seated position, maintain balance while walking, or use your arms and hands for work-related tasks despite following your prescribed treatment for at least three consecutive months.

Alternatively, the SSA looks for a marked limitation in your physical functioning combined with a marked limitation in one of four mental areas: understanding information, interacting with others, concentrating on tasks, or managing yourself. Your symptoms must be documented to have lasted or be expected to last for at least 12 months despite consistent medical treatment. An attorney can help you determine if your medical records meet these specific criteria.

To strengthen your claim, you need comprehensive medical records that document your diagnosis and the specific effects of your symptoms. This includes clinical examination findings, imaging results, and detailed reports from your neurologist. Your records must clearly show that you have adhered to your prescribed medication for at least three months without sufficient improvement in your motor function.

Non-medical evidence is also vital for your claim. This includes statements from your doctors regarding your physical limitations, as well as function reports from family members or former coworkers who have observed your daily struggles. A detailed work history that highlights your inability to maintain a consistent pace or perform physical tasks is also helpful for your application. An attorney can help you gather the necessary documentation to build a strong case.

A disability attorney helps by ensuring your medical records are organized to directly address the specific criteria of Listing 11.06. They can work with your medical team to obtain functional capacity statements that clearly illustrate your limitations to the SSA. If your claim is denied, an attorney can guide you through the appeals process, including preparing you for a hearing before an ALJ to present your case effectively.