SSDI Benefits for Loss of Speech

Many different types of conditions or medical issues can impact a person’s speech. When loss of speech is significant, and it coincides with the inability to communicate via other means, it is important for the person experiencing the loss of speech to consider their options for obtaining Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Depending on the details of your condition, you may be eligible for SSDI payments. An experienced national disability benefits attorney can assist you with your application. In the meantime, we can provide you with more information about loss of speech and disability benefits.

Loss of Speech and Aphasia: What Is It?

Loss of speech can occur as a result of many different types of conditions, such as degenerative conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). While an ALS diagnosis can often qualify a person for SSDI benefits, a loss of speech more broadly speaking is often known as aphasia.

According to the Mayo Clinic, aphasia is a disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate and their modes of communication. Not only does it affect a person’s ability to express speech verbally, but it can also affect “the way you write and understand both spoken and written language.” Aphasia is particularly common after a serious head injury or a stroke, but it can also result from brain diseases and degenerative diseases.

Depending on the cause of aphasia, it may be treatable with certain forms of therapy. For many people, however, communication can be nearly impossible and may worsen with time. It will depend on the cause of the aphasia.

Loss of Speech in the SSA Blue Book

Section 2.00 of the SSA Blue Book focuses on “Special Senses and Speech.” There are a wide range of impairments concerning special senses and speech that can qualify a person for SSDI benefits. Different forms of vision loss, including statutory blindness, are also addressed in this particular section.

What does the Blue Book say about speech loss and aphasia? When the SSA evaluates whether a person’s loss of speech is likely to qualify them for SSDI benefits, the Blue Book explains that the evaluation will include an assessment of the person’s “ability to produce speech by any means,” which “includes the use of mechanical or electronic devices that improve voice or articulation.” There are different reasons that a person may lose the ability to speak, which means that loss of speech “may also be evaluated under the body system for underlying disorder, such as neurological disorders.”

Ultimately, the Blue Book suggests that a person ultimately may be eligible for benefits if they experience a “loss of speech due to any cause, with inability to produce by any means speech that can be heard, understood, or sustained.” You should discuss the specifics of your situation with a lawyer.

Contact Our National Disability Benefits Lawyers Today for Assistance with Your Claim

Have you experienced a severe loss of speech due to a medical condition? Or is a loved one in this situation? If so, you should get in touch with one of the experienced national SSDI benefits attorneys at the Law Offices of Stephen Barszcz to find out more about obtaining SSDI benefits. We can speak with you today about your case and your options.

Sources:

ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/2.00-SpecialSensesandSpeech-Adult.htm#2_09

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/aphasia/symptoms-causes/syc-20369518