Which Communication Disabilities Are Covered by Pennsylvania Disability Benefits?

Not being able to communicate with others can not only be frustrating but also limit your job options in today’s fast-paced world. Many jobs now require quick communication to speed up the process. If you have a communication disorder that is preventing you from working, then you might be eligible for Pennsylvania disability benefits. Consider reaching out to an experienced Pennsylvania Disability Lawyer for guidance if you find yourself confused about the disability benefits application process.

Types of Pennsylvania Communication Disabilities

As you might know, there are a handful of communication disorders, but several medical conditions that cause them. Identifying the communication disorder you have is vital for your disability benefits application. However, even if you do not qualify for disability benefits under your communication disorder, you might still qualify under a listed mental or medical condition that causes communication problems for you.

The three main communication disorders listed in the Social Security Administration (SSA) Blue Book of disability listings include speech deficits, hearing impairments, and comprehension deficits. Speech deficits tend to only impact a person’s ability to speak clearly, but they can also mean difficulties with connecting topics together in a coherent manner, something that can disrupt communication with others.

A hearing disability is something that prevents a person from hearing what other people say. This can make following spoken word orders challenging, resulting in delayed work productivity. Comprehension deficits may not affect hearing abilities, but they do prevent people from understanding what other people are saying.

What Other Pennsylvania Medical Conditions Qualify Me?

There are some medical and mental conditions that might qualify you for communication disability benefits if you were unable to qualify with a hearing, speech, or comprehension deficit. Medical conditions commonly associated with communication problems include cerebral palsy, genetic disorders like Down Syndrome, certain seizure disorders, muscular dystrophy, brain injuries, strokes, and some cancers.

Mental disorders associated with these types of communication deficits range from organic brain disorders to psychological disorders. Organic brain disorders involve degenerative diseases like dementia, autism, and intellectual disabilities. Psychological disorders that often result in communication impairments can include some severe forms of:

• Schizophrenia and other psychosis disorders
• Major depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Certain personality disorders
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Mutism

Be sure to consult with the medical provider who diagnosed you with your communication disorder and if you have not been diagnosed yet, then see a professional. You will need as much medical evidence as you can find, whether this is therapy records or medical tests. The SSA has strict standards on what evidence you need to submit to be considered eligible.

Disability Attorney in Pennsylvania

Receiving a rejection letter for your disability claim does not always mean the end. Working with a Pennsylvania Individual Disability Insurance Attorney might be able to help you figure out why your claim was rejected and what you can do. You can call Edelstein & Nelson by dialing (800) – 300 – 0909 for a consultation today. Our Pennsylvania disability lawyers are ready to help you collect the evidence and information needed for your disability claim.