At Liner Legal, we understand the complexities faced by individuals with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) seeking Social Security disability benefits. Because the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not have an automatic listing for CTE, it is key to base your claim off of your symptoms. Symptoms like headaches, light sensitivity, and concentration difficulties significantly impact work capabilities, which may make you eligible for Social Security benefits.
What is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)?
- Definition: CTE is a brain condition associated with repeated head traumas, often found in athletes, military veterans, and others with a history of repetitive brain trauma. Symptoms:
- I). CTE can cause cognitive impairment.
- II). memory loss
- III). emotional instability
- IV). other neurological symptoms.
- Recognition as a Disability: CTE can be considered a disability under Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines if it significantly impairs an individual’s ability to work.
- Medical Documentation: Applicants must provide thorough medical documentation, including neuroimaging, cognitive testing results, and a history of symptoms.
- Assessment of Functional Limitations: The SSA evaluates how CTE symptoms affect activities like remembering instructions, concentrating on tasks, interacting with others, and managing oneself.
List of Specialized Medical Professionals for Traumatic Brain Injuries:
- Behavioural neurologist: A physician who works within a subspecialty of neurology. This field of medicine deals with disorders involving behaviour and neuroscience (brain function). This field is a bridge between the areas of neurology, psychiatry, and neuropsychology.
- Cognitive rehabilitation therapist (CRT): A therapist who helps patients retain, regain, or train cognitive function that has been impaired.
- Neurologist: A physician who treats diseases of the nervous system including the brain and spinal cord.
- Neuropsychiatrist: A physician who works within a subspecialty of psychiatry and sometimes neurology. He treats disorders involving human behavior and neuroscience (brain function). This field is a bridge between the disciplines of neurology, psychiatry, and neuropsychology.
- Neuropsychologist (PhD): A specialist trained in treating the psychological, behavioural and cognitive impact of a brain injury.
- Neurosurgeon: A physician who works in the surgery specialty that deals with the nervous system including the brain and spinal cord.
- Occupational therapist (OT): A therapist trained in helping patients retain, improve or regain activities of everyday living such as eating, bathing, grooming, dressing and ambulating; as well as other higher level skills needed to return to home and work.
- Pain Management Physician: A physician who diagnoses the cause of pain and treats it.
- Physical therapist (PT): A therapist who helps you improve your physical function and mobility. The PT helps you with therapeutic exercises and re-education of your muscles and nerves with the goal of restoring normal function.
- Psychiatrist: A physician who deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental and emotional disorders.
- Psychologist: A specialist who assesses and treats problems you may have with thinking, memory, mood and behavior. They may also provide counseling and education to your family members to ensure they have an understanding of the treatment plan and possible outcomes.
- Speech-language pathologist (Speech therapist): Specialist trained in helping someone recover from speech, language and cognitive issues.
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and Social Security Disability Benefits
The progressive nature of CTE, varying from subtle initial symptoms to intensifying over time, affects both work and personal life, which emphasizes the need for early legal consultation with a law firm. We, at Liner Legal, focus on legal complexities, highlighting the importance of compiling comprehensive medical histories with specialized physicians and expert testimonies. Our commitment includes assisting in gathering medical evidence, representation during court hearings, and continuous support post-claim submission.
Our dedicated team at Liner Legal is equipped to guide clients through the nuances of CTE-related disability claims. We understand the importance of detailed medical documentation and provide tailored support to our clients. Trust Liner Legal’s professional guidance in navigating the Social Security disability benefits process with a condition as challenging as CTE.
For more information, check out our video embedded at the top of this blog, in which Michael Liner talks about CTE and collecting Social Security Benefits!
