Essential Tremor and Disability Benefits

In this artile we will unpack the definition of Essential Tremor, and discover what (if any) benefits for this common disability you may be entitled to. There are so many common disabilities that have the capacity to change the quality of life you experience, as well as alter (however big or small) your daily routine as you know it.

By definition, Essential Tremor is a disorder of the nervous system that causes rhythmic shaking in the body. It is also known as benign essential tremor or familial tremor. Essential Tremor can occur in any part of the body, but typically surfaces in the following:

  • arms
  • hands
  • voice (leading to speech problems)

Essential Tremor can commonly appear to be Parkinson's disease due to similar symptoms, however, Essential Tremors do not cause other life-threatening complications as Parkinson's disease notably does. It also can create a serious hinderance in successfully accomplishing daily tasks such as:

  • tying shoes
  • using buttons
  • eating
  • reaching or extending arms
  • lifting
  • carrying
  • walking
  • standing

In order to effectively combat these symptoms, you may be requiring treatments including (but not limited to):

  • specialized writing and eating utensils
  • occupational therapy
  • medication
  • brain surgery

These above mentioned can have a serious impact on your ability to work. You will need to complete an assessment that determins your ability or inability to work through a detailed report called a Residual Functional Capacity assessment (RFC). This will indicate whether you can work full-time or require part-time, as dwell as look to see how your tremors affect your ability to do certain strength-related (exertional) activities required for work and your daily routine in general. Generally speaking, if an RFC is completed for a sit-down job your disability benefits may be denied as it is considered a sedentary job. However, if the Social Security Administration determins that your tremors prevent you from doing a full range of physical activities panel required for you to sucessfully complete sedentary work, you may be approved. The Social Security Administration will be considering any "non-external" (or non-strength related) limitations you have due to Essential Tremor. Your RFC assessment should address whether your tremors, or your medications, cause any non-external limitations such as:

  • difficulty with manipulative (hand and finger) requirements such as reaching or handling objects
  • difficulty with postural (body positions) such as stooping, climbing, or crouching
  • difficulty functioning because of nervousness, anxiety, or depression
  • difficulty paying attention or with concentration

Having non-exertional limitations written down in your medical records is especially important to winning a claim where your strength is generally unaffected by the medical condition with Essential Tremors. It is very likely that should you, or a loved one, be suffering from these symptoms and even have other indications of limitations, that you potentially have the common disability of Essential Tremors. While suffering from a common disability may be categorized as such, a common disability, your specific case and struggles will be completely unique to you. This may also directly impact your ability to work and successfully have a normal daily routine. From the onset of your concern of being impacted by Essential Tremor, it would be in your best interest to retain the services of an experienced and professional lawyer who is well versed in common disabilities, as well as being able to clearly help define your specific case and situation. Generally speaking, the United States Social Security Administration is not known for its sympathy towards those suffering with common disabilities. Ensuring you have a detailed and outlined medical file will be your primary key to ensuring the best possible outcome for receiving benefits. You will need to have medical validation that your ability to work is severely hindered, and you will also need to qualify for Social Security based upon the number of quarters you have effectively worked. It is always best to have confidence in your process, and the unknowns to be seen and understood before they become obsticles. By retaining the services of your attorney, this process is sure to become both managable and successful.

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