Can I Work After a Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident)?

Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident) is the foremost cause of disability in the USA. A stroke (cerebrovascular accident) is caused when the blood flow to the brain is suddenly interrupted, either due to a blockage of blood to the brain or of bleeding from the brain (cerebral hemorrhaging). Typical symptoms include a loss of feeling and paralysis on one side of the body, loss of or blurred vision on one side, or the loss of ability to speak or understand speech.

Stroke (cerebrovascular accident) is a serious medical emergency that sometimes ends in death. Even with medical treatment, the effects of a stroke (cerebrovascular accident) may linger for many months or years after the stroke. Additionally, those who have suffered a stroke (cerebrovascular accident) are in danger of recurrent “silent strokes.” A silent stroke is a stroke which does not have accompanying symptoms.

The effects of a stroke may make it difficult or impossible to continue working. Unfortunately, those who have a stroke must wait three months after the stroke has occurred in order to claim Social Security Disability benefits. This time gap allows for your doctor and the SSA to determine the likely residual effects from your stroke. To qualify for Social Security Disability, your condition must be expected to last at least one year.

One thing you can do following a stroke is contact the Social Security Administration and inform them of your intent to file. You should do this even if you think you will be able to return to work. Notifying the SSA sooner allows you to set an earlier date of onset, which can affect the amount of back pay you will receive if you make a Social Security Disability claim.

Stroke (cerebrovascular accident) is a listed condition in the SSA’s Blue Book, which means that there are specific parameters by which the SSA adjudicators can determine whether you qualify for Social Security Disability based on your stroke. Generally speaking, your claim will be accepted if you are unable to walk or communicate due to your stroke (cerebrovascular accident) or if you have lost motor function in two or more limbs. If your symptoms don’t meet the criteria, you may still qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if the SSA determines that your residual functioning capacity (remaining ability to work) leaves you unable to perform any work for which you are qualified.

Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident) and Your Ability to Perform Physical Work

A stroke (cerebrovascular accident) can affect your ability to perform physical work in a number of ways. Obviously, if you can’t walk or can’t use two or more major limbs, your ability to perform physical work will be seriously compromised.

Additionally, if your ability to comprehend communication has been affected, even if not completely eliminated, it can make many physical work situations unsafe for you and your coworkers. All of these kinds of factors will be considered when determining whether you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.

Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident) and Your Ability to Perform Sedentary Work

Some people who have had a stroke and are unable to perform physical work may still be able to function in a sedentary (sit down) job. However, the vast majority of people are unable to. Your ability to perform sedentary work is based largely on your ability to sit in one place for long periods of time. Other important criteria for sedentary jobs include the ability to concentrate and the use of fine motor skills.

Obviously, some stoke (cerebrovascular accident) sufferers will not be able to do jobs that require concentration or communication. Others will be unable to perform jobs which require hand to eye coordination and fine motor skills.

You will wan to make sure that your medical documentation for your Social Security Disability claim includes complete information regarding what kinds of tasks you can and can’t do. Your personal statements should include anything and everything from your daily activities which your stroke affects, as these statements will be considered in determining whether you are capable of continuing to perform meaningful work. As always, you should consider the help and guidance of an experienced Social Security Disability attorney or advocate to help you with your claim.