Can I Qualify for Disability with a Brain Injury?

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are becoming a more common diagnosis for claimants needing Social Security disability benefits, with advances in testing and imaging as well as more publicity from injured veterans and athletes. These disabilities are not always easy to prove. However, there is a relatively new regulation that specifically evaluates these profound injuries whereas earlier they were only considered under neurological or mental illness criteria. Many of the symptoms of TBI are subtle. Also, because most of the patients are not good historians due to their brain injuries and often lack self-insight, proof of total disability is challenging. The involvement of family members and friends is helpful for reporting symptoms to the treating physicians.

Until October 2016, the Social Security Administration evaluated traumatic brain injuries under disability listings for other types of medical conditions. The new regulation covers brain damage caused by skull fracture, a closed head injury, or penetration by an object into the brain tissue. The regulation is found in the Adult Listings here: https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/11.00-Neurological-Adult.htm#11_18.

Please contact us if you or someone you know is looking for help with a disability claim.

By: Joyce Trudeau of Premier Disability Services, LLC^®