Anterior poliomyelitis is a severely disabling, sometimes fatal disease causing irreversible damage to motor cells in the cerebrum, brain stem and spinal cord. Although this type of polio usually affects young children, adults can also acquire this orally or fecally transmitted disease. Symptoms of anterior poliomyelitis include high fever, chills, limb and back pain, vomiting, diarrhea and convulsions. Within one to two days of developing symptoms, a person’s legs may become paralyzed. Eventually, paralyzed muscles suffer impaired circulation and begin to atrophy. Permanent physical effects of anterior poliomyelitis typically render the person unable to work full-time.
Filing for Anterior Poliomyelitis Disability with the Social Security Administration
Unfortunately, the SSA does not list anterior poliomyelitis in the Blue Book of Medical Listings. However, according to Section 11.11 in the SSA’s Blue Book, individuals diagnosed with persistent difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking, or suffer from “disorganized motor function” may qualify for social security disability under Section 11.04B. This section describes disorganized motor function as “persistent and significant disorganization of motor function in at least two extremities that results in sustained disturbance of dexterous and gross movements or gait”.
Adults and children with anterior poliomyelitis whose symptoms meet such eligibility criteria may be approved for social security disability benefits during initial stages of the application process. Applicants will need to prove their condition adheres to specifications outlined in the Blue Book. Medical record copies and written statements by medical doctors and specialists attending to the patient’s condition must be included in the disability claim packet.
What Happens When an Anterior Poliomyelitis Disability Claim Is Denied?
Consulting with a Social Security disability lawyer is strongly recommended to avoid future delays and denials. Reasons why claims are initially denied include:
- Lack of clinical evidence proving a disabling disease or disorder actually exists
- Incomplete medical documentation
- Applicants do not cooperate with SSA representatives
- Applicants do not follow through with treatment as prescribed by their primary doctor
Even when someone clearly qualifies for social security disability, obtaining acceptance for a disability claim from the SSA can be a grueling and long process. It may take up to six months, or even a year, for an SS representative to examine new claims for mistakes, omissions or possible indications of fraud.
To expedite an anterior poliomyelitis disability claim, consider contacting a NY disability lawyer to handle your claim from start to finish.