CAN I GET SOCIAL SECURITY FOR EPILEPSY OR SEIZURE DISORDER....

It may be possible to get Social Security disability benefits for Epilepsy or other seizure disorders - but there are some specific requirements to do so.

  • You need a diagnosis and treatment from a doctor, preferably a neurologist.
  • You must have tried medications to control the seizures and allowed the doctor to adjust the dosage or try different medications.
  • You must still be having seizures at least once a week after at least 3 months of medical treatment.
  • You need to have blood serum tests by your doctor to prove you are taking prescribed medications.
  • A journal or diary describing the dates, type and severity of seizures is helpful; this may be kept by a family member.
Social Security considers epileptic seizures to be controllable (usually) with proper medical care.  Only in the case of intractable or chronic seizures which occur frequently in spite of adequate medical care will Social Security grant disability benefits.  Age can also play an important role in the determination. Getting an award for seizures without ongoing and regular medical treatment is unheard of.

Making the point that you cannot drive because of the possibility of seizures, or that you cannot operate machinery, will not usually win an award when the above criteria are not met.


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