Living with palinopsia is difficult, to say the least. This neurological condition characterized by seeing afterimages or ghost-like images for hours or days after an object has disappeared can make performing daily tasks more difficult.
Palinopsia is usually caused by a disturbance or damage to the brain. Although there are a variety of ways a person can get palinopsia, the symptoms remain the same. Some of the most common symptoms sufferers experience are double vision, trails of objects, a “snowy” texture in the visual field, or tinnitus.
Applying for New Hampshire Social Security Disability with Palinopsia
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has different listings for different impairments. Before you can prepare your application for Social Security disability, you will need to determine which listing you meet.
People with palinopsia usually have an underlying cause that triggers the neurological condition. Seizures or multiple sclerosis are the most common. If you do not know what caused your palinopsia, or if there is not a listing for it, you can still qualify under the visual loss listing.
To increase your chances of being approved, you will want to file your application under one of these listings. Here are the details of the three most common listings those with palinopsia apply under. Knowing this will help you understand what the SSA is looking for when making the decision on whether to approve your application.
- Vision Loss. Vision impairments do not have separate listings. Instead, the SSA usually focuses on vision loss that results from other medical conditions. When determining whether you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits with palinopsia, you must show that you have significant loss of vision in both eyes, and that treatment does not improve your eyesight. When considering your visual acuity, the SSA will take into account either your central or your peripheral vision loss.
- Nonconvulsive Epilepsy. If you have nonconvulsive epilepsy, such as petit mal, psychomotor, or focal seizures, you could qualify for automatic approval of your Social Security disability application. To automatically qualify, you must have a typical seizure pattern that happens at least once a week, even after at least three months of treatment. During your seizures, you must lose consciousness or have a change in your awareness. Your seizures must also cause post-seizure episodes that disturb your daily activities. By meeting all of these, you will automatically qualify for SSDI.
- Multiple Sclerosis. To automatically qualify for palinopsia caused by MS, you must have had a severe change in your vision that glasses cannot fix. You must also have a mental disorder that impacts your I.Q., memory, or mood. If you do not have that, but you have severe fatigue or muscle weakness from MS, you might still qualify.
While applying, consider what caused your palinopsia. If there is a bigger condition, such as seizures or MS, you should apply based on those listings. If not, you might still qualify for SSDI based on the vision loss listing.
Applying for SSDI can be very confusing. With help from a New Hampshire Social Security disability lawyer, you can get clarification on your application before you submit it to the SSA.
As you get started filling out your application, we encourage you to read our book called Five Most Frequently Asked Questions about Social Security Disability. In this book, you will find answers to common errors made by first-time applicants. Request your free copy here.
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.
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