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March 25, 2025

How to Qualify for SSDI with Post-Polio Syndrome, Parkinson’s Disease, or Multiple Sclerosis

Living with a progressive neurological condition comes with daily challenges, from managing painful symptoms to maintaining independence. For many who suffer from conditions like post-polio syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis (MS), gradually worsening symptoms often also bring anxiety about finances and the future. Many wonder, How can I support myself if I can’t work because of my condition? 

The good news is that Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can provide a lifeline for those who can no longer work due to a disabling medical condition. However, qualifying for SSDI takes more than just a diagnosis. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses strict criteria to determine whether an applicant’s condition meets the requirements for SSDI eligibility. 

In this blog post, we’ll walk through what you need to qualify for disability benefits for a neurodegenerative condition. We’ll explain the medical criteria you’ll need to meet, the documentation required, and the importance of having an attorney to help navigate the process.

Understand SSDI Application Requirements 

SSDI is a federal program that provides financial benefits to people who can’t work due to a long-term disabling medical condition. Since payroll taxes fund it, you must have some employment history to be eligible to apply. 

Benefits are also only available to individuals who meet the SSA’s strict definition of “disability.” To qualify for SSDI, you must have:

• A severe impairment that significantly limits your ability to perform basic work-related activities,
• A condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death,
• No more than the current maximum for “substantial gainful activity” (SGA),
• No possibility of adjusting to other work, and
• Enough work credits through past employment (based on age and work history).

Even if you meet the SSA’s definition of disability, you’ll need thorough documentation to prove that your medical condition prevents you from working. Without clear evidence, the SSA may deny your claim.

Match Criteria for SSDI Medical Conditions

The SSA evaluates disability claims using its Listing of Impairments, also called the Blue Book. This guide outlines the different types of medical conditions and symptoms that are severe enough to qualify for SSDI. 

For neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease, MS, and post-polio syndrome, the SSA looks for specific symptoms and limitations that prevent you from working. While each condition has unique characteristics and symptoms, the SSA uses similar criteria to evaluate their severity. 

The first way an applicant could meet the SSA’s criteria for Parkinson’s, MS, or post-polio syndrome is to show that they have significant motor function impairment in at least two limbs. These limitations should be so severe that standing, balancing, walking, or using your arms is significantly difficult.

If your motor impairment doesn’t reach that level of severity, you could still qualify if you experience “marked limitations” in both physical functioning (i.e., walking, balancing, fine motor skills) and at least one of the following:

• Understanding, remembering, or applying information;
• Interacting with others;
• Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace; or
• Adapting or managing oneself.

Individuals with post-polio syndrome can also meet the criteria for SSDI medical conditions by demonstrating one of the following:

• Unintelligible speech—severe difficulty speaking clearly enough to be understood, or
• Serious muscle and nerve problems—that require either a ventilator to breathe or tube feeding through a stomach tube or intravenous nutrition source.

Whether you have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, MS, or post-polio syndrome, you must prove that the impairments you suffer continue despite any prescribed treatments.

Gather Evidence of SSDI Eligibility 

A strong SSDI application relies on clear and consistent medical evidence. The SSA requires detailed documentation to verify that you meet medical and work-related criteria.

Some essential forms of medical evidence to collect for your application include:

• Doctor’s reports—written confirmation of your diagnosis, treatment history, and prognosis;
• Imaging results—MRIs, CT scans, and other test results showing neurological damage;
• Treatment records—physical therapy notes, medication history, and details of any side effects; and
• Functional assessments—statements from doctors about how your condition limits your ability to work or perform daily tasks.

The SSA may also require evidence of how your condition affects your ability to work, such as statements from former employers or vocational experts.

Thorough documentation is one of the best strategies for improving your chances of approval. Working with a knowledgeable attorney can help ensure that all necessary evidence is gathered and presented effectively.

Get Help from a Disability Attorney

Navigating the SSDI application process can be challenging, especially when dealing with complex neurological conditions. An experienced disability attorney can provide valuable support by helping:

• Gather medical evidence. An attorney can help collect and organize medical records and test results to support your claim.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness. A lawyer will work to ensure your application is filled out correctly and includes all the required information.
• Manage deadlines and paperwork. SSDI applications have strict deadlines and documentation requirements that an attorney can help you stay on top of.
• Handle appeals. If your application is denied, an attorney can represent you in the appeals process and present a strong case on your behalf.

Having a knowledgeable attorney can significantly increase your chances of getting approved for SSDI. They understand how to present your medical condition in a way that meets SSA requirements and can reduce the stress of managing the process on your own.

Trusted and Compassionate Legal Support

At the Law Offices of Jennifer R. Solomon, we understand the challenges faced by individuals with neurological disorders. Our firm’s dedication to helping individuals navigate disability claims is motivated by something deeper than a commitment to client service. As the daughter of someone affected by post-polio syndrome, Jennifer knows firsthand how neurological conditions can disrupt all aspects of daily life. This experience fuels her passion for helping clients secure the benefits they deserve.

Jennifer R. Solomon has years of experience handling SSDI claims, including cases involving post-polio syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, and MS. Her knowledge of SSA rules and compassionate approach help bring clients peace of mind throughout the application process. If you’re applying for SSDI with a neurological condition, you don’t have to face it alone. Contact the Law Offices of Jennifer R. Solomon today for a consultation.