Those who experience a stroke may experience significant health issues for the rest of their lives. However, these issues may not rise to the level that would make a person eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. It is also important for West Virginia applicants to know that an application won’t be evaluated until at least three months after the stroke occurs. From there, an examiner will determine if it has made it impossible for a person to earn a gainful living.
Generally speaking, the stroke must have some lasting impact on a person’s ability to walk, speak, or otherwise carry out basic functions that would allow that individual to work. If an individual is not approved for benefits based on his or her limitations after a stroke, there may be an alternate method of getting approved. This would involve a person seeking a medical-vocational allowance.
This is typically how those who experience a stroke qualify for financial assistance. An examiner will look at a variety of factors such as a person’s job, age, and education. To increase the chances of obtaining approval, applicants are encouraged to provide both their medical records and a detailed work history. The more information an examiner has, the more likely it may be that a person is granted benefits.
Those who experience a stroke may have an inability to work that may last for a year or longer. If this is true, it may be possible to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits and other government assistance. An attorney may be able to help clients fill out an initial application or obtain evidence that they cannot work because of that impairment.