Disability Benefits for Special Senses & Speech Disorders

Most problems that afflict the special senses are the result of normal aging. As people grow older, their eyes can become dry and are more prone to infection and irritation. The muscles of the iris become less efficient and the lens tends to lose its clarity. These conditions cause less light to reach the retina, thereby reducing vision. The ears are affected by age when the inner ear organ begins to gradually deteriorate and the ability to hear high tones and human speech decreases. Loss of speech can occur after a stroke due to lack of oxygen from a blocked artery.

Determination of Disability Benefits for Speech and Sense Disorders

The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers two disability programs, which help people who are unable to work due to severe physical or mental impairments. Many times a person qualifies to apply for both of these programs. The following will be taken into consideration:

• The severity of the condition
• When it began
• How long it has lasted
• How it affects your ability to work
• Your age, education and work experience

It may take several months before a decision is reached and can vary depending upon how quickly your medical providers respond to requests for information needed from the SSA.

Eligibile Disorders for Speech, Sight, and Hearing Problems

The category of impairments for special senses and speech disorders that are recognized as a disability by the SSA are:

• Loss of visual acuity where the remaining vision in the stronger eye after correction remains at 20/200 or less
• Contraction of the visual field in the better eye
• Visual Disorders and Disability Benefits: Loss of visual efficiency
• Disturbance of labyrinthine-vestibular function including Meniere’s disease (disturbances of balance such as vertigo)
• Hearing impairments not restorable by a hearing aid
• Loss of speech without the ability to produce speech by use of mechanical or electronic device

Filing a Claim

The Social Security Administration (SSA) takes applications for both Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The SSA makes a technical determination as to which disability program you may be eligible for and gathers the necessary documentation to complete your application. Claimants will need written medical confirmation of their qualifying conditions when they apply.

Benefits Determination

Your Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) benefits are based on your age and your average earnings during your working years. The more you earned while working, the higher your benefit will be. The Social Security Administration sends out statements to workers age 25 and older who have a valid Social Security number. The statement shows your lifetime Social Security earnings and estimated disability and retirement benefits. You may also be eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if the amount you get from SSDI is low.

Claim Denials

The SSA has a specific appeals process. If you disagree with their decision, you can ask that your case be reconsidered. You must appeal the decision within 60 days from the day you receive the letter. Once a reconsideration decision is made, there are three more steps you can pursue if you disagree with the decision. They are:

1. Request a hearing before an administrative law judge
2. Review by the Social Security Appeals Council
3. File a lawsuit in Federal district court

The SSA denies more than 60 percent of all initial applications, but two-thirds of the people who appeal will eventually receive their benefits.

Help From a Disability Lawyer

According to recent statistics, a claimant’s chance of receiving disability benefits is significantly improved if you apply with the assistance of a disability lawyer. You may choose to file the initial application yourself and then use an attorney to help you file for reconsideration or appeal if you are denied benefits.