Social Security Disability benefits for stroke   As a disability examiner working on Social Security Disability and SSI cases, I came across a fair number of cases for which stroke was the major allegation listed on a claimant's application. I recently came across some interesting "factoid" information regarding the incidence of stroke. According to wikipedia, strokes are the third leading cause of disability and even death in the industrialized world. And as we all know, certain risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and cigarette use can increase the risk of stroke. However, I was surprised to learn that deaths from stroke are more likely to occur in women versus men. Strokes, from the standpoint of the social security administration, must be evaluated for their residual effects. In the SSA system, of course, all physical and mental impairments must be evaluated as to how they limit an individual's ability to work. However, when it comes to strokes, as well as myocardial infarctions (heart attacks), the residuals of a stroke must be evaluated at least three months out from the time of a stroke. The reasoning behind this is that it is simply not possible to ascertain how well and to what extent an individual may recover from a stroke, a.k.a. a CVA, or cerebrovascular accident. The following page discusses how disability claims involving stroke are determined. Excerpt: "When an individual files for disability on the basis of a stroke, the disability examiner will not make a medical disability determination until at least three months have passed since the stroke occurred." Link: How Social Security evaluates stroke. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: Filing for disability when a stroke has occurred and memory loss is an issue Facts about Stroke and Filing for Disability Facts about Mini Strokes and Filing for Disability Social Security Disability benefits for stroke Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in the United States Applying for Social Security Disability or SSI for Stroke Social Security Disability Status - What can happen if you don't check When should I call to check the status of a disability claim? What is usually the status of your Social Security Disability or SSI case?