Social Security Disability or SSI Benefits for Ménière’s Disease
Social Security Disability and SSI benefits can be available to individuals suffering from labyrinthine-vestibular dysfunction or Ménière’s disease. Ménière’s disease (hydrops or endolymphatic hydrops) is an inner ear disorder that affects balance and hearing. Claimants can qualify for benefits due to disturbance of labyrinthine-vestibular function if certain requirements are met.
Appendix 1 to Subpart P of Part 404 of The Code of Federal Regulations, in Section 2.07, states in pertinent part:
2.07 Disturbance of labyrinthine-vestibular function (including Ménière’s disease), characterized by a history of frequent attacks of balance disturbance, tinnitus, and progressive loss of hearing. With both A and B:
A. Disturbed function of vestibular labyrinth demonstrated by caloric or other vestibular tests; and
B. Hearing loss established by audiometry.
If a claimant does not qualify for benefits based on this Listing, the impairments can still be considered when determining whether he or she can return to past employment or whether jobs exist in the local and national economy. Usually, someone suffering from Ménière’s disease may also have other disabling impairments and the nature of Ménière’s disease usually prevents regular, predictable attendance at work.
If you need more information about a Social Security Disability/SSI matter, personal injury matter (car wreck, boating accident, slip and fall, etc.), EEOICPA claim, long or short-term disability, VA disability, or a workers compensation matter, please contact the Law Offices of Tony Farmer and John Dreiser for a free case evaluation. We can be reached at (865) 584-1211 or (800) 806-4611, through Facebook, or through our website. Our office handles claims throughout East Tennessee, including Knoxville, Chattanooga, Kingsport, Bristol, Johnson City, Morristown, Maryville, Rogersville, Dandridge, Tazewell, New Tazewell, Jefferson City, Strawberry Plains, Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Loudon, Kingston, Halls, Maynardville, Crossville, Cookeville, Jamestown, Sweetwater, Lenoir City, Athens, Oak Ridge, Clinton, LaFollette, Lake City, Jacksboro, Bean Station, Cosby, Newport, White Pine, Mosheim, Wartburg, Sunbright, Pigeon Forge, and Deer Lodge.