Post Polio Disability Basic Information

By Ericka Marsh


Most people born in the 40's and 50's aren't aware they can get help if they are disabled for problems encountered when they were young. For example retirement is at the forefront of their minds and not illnesses that were dealt with in childhood. That's why now the SSA is seeing more post polio disability claims, or PPS which is the syndrome that follows the debilitating infection.

Getting awarded medical benefits or monthly money because of becoming disabled from this didn't just stop because the virus isn't in your system anymore, or went away in the 50's or later. Effects from the original viral infection can hit even forty years later. Some symptoms are breaking down of many joints, deformities to your bones, muscle atrophy issues and fatigue.

The Social Security Administration is seeing a marked increase in new claims due to PPS or the syndrome associated with the after effects of this illness. If your initial infection was severe, it is expected that the condition of PPS will be severe as well especially if you had long times of great physical activity just prior to PPS being diagnosed. It is characterized by lengths of time of declining health followed by lengths of no physical issues.

It can be disabling for many people, since symptoms can cause lowered daily function. If diaphragm muscles are too weak there are breathing problems which could lead to mobility issues, and those used for eating and swallowing could become weak so that medical assistance is required to do either. So it is important if you have PPS and suffer from declining health, you contact SSA to apply for benefits.

As with any application, there are medical requirements that must be met. Evidence requested does not include any original records from the 50's showing proof of your initial infection, but current records are suggested. Problems breathing, walking, eating, talking or the use of upper extremities being limited are sufficient current issues to be included.

All reports from doctors and speech pathologists showing troubles swallowing, talking and eating should be included. Also anything from a doctor showing that your daily life is majorly impacted by the lack of things you can do are very important. Without it, your assistance may be denied.

Other options exist as far as Social Security is concerned when dealing with whether or not a person can work. The residual function capacity sheet would be used and scored as well as checking into previous positions and your complete education to help determine capabilities. If you can only do certain kinds of work and can't speak well, it might make working impossible.

If positions you've held have always been in a certain field or of one nature and they can't be stood anymore, you could be retrained for other work for free if you're under 50 years of age and physically capable of some type of work. If you are seen to be completely disabled by PPS though, you will be given benefits. In order to get more legal advice on what to do, it's best to speak directly with a lawyer.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment

top