Can Social Security Disability be approved for early-stage Parkinson's disease?

My father got approved for SSDI with Parkinson's, but it took about 9 months and an appeal. What really helped was having detailed documentation from both his neurologist AND his movement disorder specialist. Make sure your wife's doctors specifically document how her symptoms affect her ability to perform her job functions. For example, if tremors impact typing speed or accuracy, that needs to be quantified. Speech difficulties should be documented with specific examples of how they interfere with work communication. The SSA looks closely at how the condition limits substantial gainful activity, not just the diagnosis itself. I'd recommend getting a free consultation with a disability attorney before even applying.

my mom got Parkinsons and she got denied 2 times before getting approved!!!! the system is RIGGED against people who really need help!! they said she wasnt "disabled enough" even with tremors so bad she couldnt hold a coffee cup!! make sure u get ALL the medical records and appeal appeal appeal!!!

I got approved first try with early Parkinson's but I think my situation might have been more severe? My main issues were freezing episodes, severe fatigue, and cognitive effects that made it impossible to continue my teaching job. What really helped was having my neurologist complete a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form that specifically addressed how my symptoms affected my ability to work. The SSA has specific criteria they look at for Parkinson's under Listing 11.06, so familiarize yourself with those requirements. Also, keep a daily symptom journal - I tracked bad days vs good days, medication effectiveness, and specific work tasks that became difficult. This data was super helpful during my application process.

Have you thought about asking her work for accommodations first? Like maybe they could let her work remotely a few days a week? My cousin has MS which is different but also has good/bad days and her company let her work from home 3 days a week. Just a thought before going straight to SSDI which is really hard to get and pays way less than most jobs...

my neighbor got turned down for parkinsons but then she went on facebook and found out about this service called claimyr that got her through to a REAL PERSON at social security in like 10 minutes when she had been trying for weeks!! she said it made a huge difference cuz she got to actually explain her situation instead of just sending in paperwork. they have a video that shows how it works here https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU and their website is claimyr.com

I applied for SSDI with Parkinson's last year and got approved after initial denial and reconsideration. Here's what worked for me: 1. Detailed medical records going back to first diagnosis (2+ years) 2. Neurologist specifically documented tremors, gait issues, and cognitive effects 3. Had occupational therapy evaluation that showed specifically how symptoms affected work tasks 4. Got statements from coworkers about observed difficulties 5. Hired attorney after first denial (they only get paid if you win) The key was connecting the medical condition to specific work limitations. For example, my neurologist didn't just note "patient has tremors" but specifically "patient's tremors prevent fine motor control needed for computer work more than 2 hours at a stretch." Good luck to your wife!

Also, make sure she discusses ALL her symptoms with her doctors and that they're documented in her medical records. Many Parkinson's symptoms beyond tremors can affect work - fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive issues, depression, anxiety, etc. My claim included documentation about my extreme fatigue requiring naps during the day, which made standard work hours impossible. The more comprehensive the medical record, the stronger the case.

hey did ur wife try any of the new meds for parkinsons?? my uncle got on some new one starts with K i think and it helped him alot with the tremors. maybe that could help her keep working?

One important thing to understand is that SSA evaluates Parkinson's disease under Listing 11.06 (Parkinsonian syndrome). The key criteria they look for are: 1. Marked limitation in physical functioning AND cognition, OR 2. Marked limitation in physical functioning AND mood/behavior regulation, OR 3. Marked limitation in physical functioning AND completed tasks in a timely manner "Marked limitation" means the symptoms seriously limit the ability to function independently, appropriately, and effectively. Even if your wife doesn't meet these exact listing requirements, she might still qualify through a medical-vocational allowance based on her Residual Functional Capacity, age, education, and work experience. The evidence needs to be compelling about how her condition prevents substantial gainful activity. For someone in an accounting position, documenting how tremors affect computer use, how fatigue impacts concentration for detailed financial work, or how speech issues affect client interactions would be particularly relevant.