Dedicated Representation for Neurological Disability Claims in Michigan
A neurological condition can change everything — your ability to work, your independence, even your sense of who you are. When you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) on the basis of a neurological disorder, the Social Security Administration demands extensive medical documentation, and initial denials are common. At Grech Law Firm, I personally handle every stage of the claims process for Michigan residents with conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. As your Michigan SSD attorney, I gather the medical evidence, coordinate directly with your treating physicians, and build the strongest possible case, so you can focus on your health instead of fighting bureaucracy.
Why Choose Grech Law Firm for Your Neurological Disorder Claim?
Filing a disability claim for a neurological condition requires an attorney who understands the medical and legal standards the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses to evaluate these cases. I bring more than 25 years of exclusive focus on Social Security Disability law to every case I handle. Here is what sets my firm apart:
- I personally handle every case from start to finish, so you always work directly with your attorney
- I have appeared before our local Administrative Law Judges (ALJ) and understand what they look for in a neurological disability cases
- I coordinate directly with your treating physicians to obtain medical opinions, records, and RFC forms that support your claim
- I operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless I win your benefits
- I have earned top ratings and reviews as well as the 2022 Elite Lawyer Award in Social Security Law
Unlike large firms where you may not meet your attorney until the day of your hearing, I provide personalized attention to every client throughout Macomb County, Wayne County, Oakland County, and the surrounding Michigan communities.
How Does the SSA Evaluate Neurological Disorders for Disability?
The SSA evaluates neurological disorders under Section 11.00 of the Blue Book, its official Listing of Impairments. The agency evaluates neurological disorders that may manifest in a combination of limitations in physical and mental functioning. To qualify, your condition does not simply need a diagnosis. Eligibility depends on how the condition affects function, not on diagnosis alone.
To qualify for disability benefits, the SSA requires that a neurological disorder be severe enough to prevent substantial gainful activity, meaning the condition must significantly limit physical or mental abilities needed for work.
In addition to severity, the SSA evaluates whether limitations have lasted or are expected to last at least twelve months or result in death. When you work with me, I handle the entire process of gathering and submitting the medical evidence needed to demonstrate these requirements, working directly with your doctors to build the strongest possible case.
Which Neurological Conditions Qualify for SSDI?
The SSA evaluates epilepsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, coma or persistent vegetative state (PVS), and neurological disorders that cause disorganization of motor function, bulbar and neuromuscular dysfunction, communication impairment, or a combination of limitations in physical and mental functioning such as early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Common neurological conditions that may qualify for disability benefits under the Blue Book listings include, but are not limited to:
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders
- Vascular insult to the brain, including stroke
- Benign brain tumors
- Parkinsonian syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- Spinal cord disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS
- Post-polio syndrome
- Myasthenia gravis
- Traumatic brain injury
- Neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington’s disease
This is not an exhaustive list. Many neurological disorders affecting the central or peripheral nervous system may still be evaluated if they result in measurable limitations that interfere with work-related activities. I review each client’s unique medical situation and identify the strongest path to approval, whether through a listed impairment or an alternative evaluation method.
What If My Condition Is Not Listed in the Blue Book?
Many people live with neurological conditions, such as migraines or fibromyalgia, that are not specifically named in the SSA’s listings. It is fairly common for someone to have a neurological condition that prevents them from working but does not match the Blue Book’s listing. Even if you do not fulfill the Blue Book standards, you may be eligible for benefits if the SSA determines that you are unable to work due to your symptoms.
In these situations, the SSA assesses your residual functional capacity (RFC). Social Security defines residual functional capacity as “what an individual can still do despite their limitations.”
The claims examiner will review your medical records and your daily activities before filling out a residual functional capacity form. The RFC evaluation considers your physical limitations, cognitive functioning, and how your symptoms affect your ability to sustain full-time employment. The SSA will also consider your age, education level, and the type of work you have done previously.
I take the burden of this process off your shoulders by working directly with your treating physicians to complete RFC forms and gather the detailed medical opinions that support your claim. Your doctors focus on providing their expert assessments, and I make sure those assessments are properly documented and submitted to the SSA.
What Medical Evidence Do I Need for a Neurological Disorder Claim?
Strong medical evidence is the foundation of every successful SSDI claim for a physical disability. The SSA needs both medical and non-medical evidence (signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings) to assess the effects of your neurological disorder. Key forms of documentation that can strengthen your claim include:
- Neurological examination reports documenting reflexes, muscle strength, sensation, and motor coordination
- Imaging results such as MRIs, CT scans, and EEGs
- Treatment histories, including medications prescribed and their effectiveness
- Your physician’s written opinion about your functional limitations
- Completed RFC forms detailing what you can and cannot do in a work setting
Gathering this documentation on your own can feel overwhelming, especially when you are managing a serious health condition. That is why I handle the entire evidence-gathering process for you. I request records from your providers, coordinate with your doctors to obtain their medical opinions and completed RFC forms, and submit all documentation to the SSA on your behalf. You do not need to chase down records or fill out complicated forms yourself.
What Can I Expect During the SSDI Application Process?
The SSDI application process involves multiple stages, and understanding each one can help reduce uncertainty. Approximately 63-65% of initial medical determinations on disability claims are denials, with overall final denial rates averaging 68% (including technical denials). Many of these denials happen because of incomplete medical documentation or errors in the application, not because the applicant is not truly disabled. Here is what the process generally looks like:
Initial Application
I prepare and submit your application with thorough medical evidence from the outset, giving your claim the strongest possible foundation. This includes compiling your medical records, securing your doctors’ opinions, and making sure every relevant form is complete and accurate.
Reconsideration (If Denied Initially)
If your initial claim is denied, I review the reason for the denial and gather additional supporting evidence. This may involve obtaining updated medical records or a more detailed RFC assessment from your doctor.
Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge
If your claim requires a hearing, this is where my experience makes a significant difference. I have appeared before our local ALJs more times than I can count and understand how each judge operates, what questions they ask, and what evidence they find most persuasive. I will prepare you for the hearing and present your case in person.
If your claim has already been denied, I can still help. Visit my disability claim denial page to learn more about the appeals process.
Get Help With Your Neurological Disorder Disability Claim Today
Living with a neurological disorder is difficult enough without the added stress of navigating a complex benefits system. With more than 25 years focused solely on Social Security Disability law, I have the knowledge and experience to guide your claim from application through approval. I handle all the medical evidence, work with your doctors, and personally manage every detail of your case. Contact my office today for a free consultation.
Do neurological disorders automatically qualify me for SSDI?
No. Having a diagnosis alone is not enough to qualify. The SSA evaluates how your neurological disorder affects your ability to perform work-related activities on a sustained basis. Your condition must be severe enough to prevent substantial gainful activity and must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. I work with your doctors to build the medical evidence that demonstrates these requirements.
How long does it take to get approved for SSDI with a neurological condition?
Processing times vary depending on the complexity of your case and whether an appeal is necessary. Initial determinations can take several months. If a hearing is required, the timeline may extend further. By gathering comprehensive medical evidence and submitting a well-prepared application from the start, I work to reduce delays and move your case forward as efficiently as possible.
Does Grech Law Firm charge upfront fees for neurological disorder disability cases?
No. I work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay any attorney fees unless I win your case and your benefits are secured. There is no financial risk to you for seeking experienced legal help with your claim.