Vertigo is the feeling that your surroundings are spinning while there is no actual movement. People suffering from vertigo may feel like they are spinning, falling, or tilting. This can cause lightheadedness, blurry vision, nausea, and vomiting. They may find it hard to keep their balance, and the vertigo can make it difficult to walk. People with vertigo may lose their balance and fall.
For most people, vertigo is an annoyance rather than a disability. But, when there are frequent or constant episodes of vertigo, it can be disabling. The causes of vertigo may also be disabling on their own.
Causes of Vertigo
There are many possible causes of vertigo. These include:
- Damage to the inner ear
- Inflammation in the inner ear
- Ear infection
- Meniere’s disease
- A tumor in the nerve tissue
- Decreased blood flow to the brain (cerebellar hemorrhage)
- Head injury
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Migraines
- Nervous system disorders
- Complications from diabetes
- Blood pressure problems
Disability Benefits for Vertigo
In order to receive Social Security disability benefits for vertigo, you must have a comprehensive exam with a neuro-otolaryngologist (ear, nose, throat specialist). The doctor should provide detailed information about your vertigo: how often you have attacks, how long they last, the severity of those attacks, and how the vertigo prevents you from working and participating in life activities. You may want to keep a diary of your symptoms over a six-month period.
In order to show that you have vertigo, you must present the results of certain hearing tests. These should include:
- Pure tone audiometry: Tests hearing at certain pitches
- Speech audiometry: Tests ability to hear speech and word recognition
- Bekesy audiometry: A hearing test in which the subject controls the duration of the tones
- Vestibular function testing: Testing of the inner ear
For most people who have vertigo, the vertigo is not severe and responds well to treatment. A person may qualify for disability benefits from Social Security (SSDI) for vertigo if the vertigo is severe and does not respond to treatment. The question boils down to this: despite the symptoms you are experiencing from verigo or the medications can you sustain full time emplyment? See our article, “SSA Rules for Vertigo Can Make Your Head Spin”, for more information about qualifying for Social Security disability benefits.
Do you have questions about applying for SSDI or SSI for vertigo? Request a copy of Boston disability attorney John Keefe’s book, Unlocking the Mystery: The Essential Guide for Navigating the Social Security Disability Claims Process.
Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?
If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.
