So Is Epilepsy A Disability Or Not? | MyEpilepsyTeam

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So Is Epilepsy A Disability Or Not?
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭

This is a general question of public opinion. I myself always assumed it was, but apparently it's not at least according to Social Security in Indiana that is. I finally decided to apply b/c someone else I know receives disability do to having seizures which started after an aneurysm they also happen to work as well. So I decided to give it a try and was denied b/c epilepsy was not a disability that would stop me from working. So opinions do you agree or disagree on Epilepsy being a disability?

posted March 12, 2020
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Social Security seems to deny everyone for an epilepsy disability, if you can walk or talk!! It took me almost 4 years to be approved and I think if I hadn’t been over the age of 55 years old it would’ve been denied a 3rd time. I have epilepsy and severe spine problems (3surgeries) both ailments for over 20 years and it really means nothing to Social Security. I worked all my adult life and when in need due to medical reasons to be denied was just a slap in the face. Hang in there and be sure your doctor(s) put in writing that you should not be working due to your epilepsy. What really confused me during the appeal hearing is you’re not allowed to speak much so you’re truly on the mercy of the court, it sucks😞😒

posted August 13
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I am on disability for seizures. I can’t work because I’ve had them since I was a kid so they’re preexisting. We’re not able to do several things normal people can.

posted March 26 (edited)
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

SkeeterDavis:
Spoke to her about the boards and hopefully soon she'll be on here.
She's a doctor with twin boys and also her elder parents live with her & her husband. When she does come to these boards I'll steer he to certain people.

posted March 25, 2020
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I'd agree that Epilepsy is a disability. It's not like we can control when we have a seizure or how many we have. People who don't live with epilepsy don't, & won't understand this.

posted March 15, 2020
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

It is a disability but I have been denied at every level to get disability benefits. I am at the Federal court of appeal level now. This the next to the last level. My attorney told me I was denied at the last level because I am not having as many seizures now. I was having 3 to 4 seizures a month. Now I am only having 4 to 5 seizures a year being on two medications at a high level.

posted July 12

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