Is Chiari Malformation a Disability? How to Get Benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not explicitly list Chiari malformation as a qualifying disability. However, it is still possible to receive Social Security Disability benefits if your symptoms are severe enough to keep you from working or carrying out daily activities.
The SSA will consider your medical condition as a qualifying disability if all the following are true:
You cannot perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of your condition.
You cannot do your previous work or adjust to other work because of your condition.
Your condition is expected to last at least 12 consecutive months or result in death.
What Is Chiari Malformation?
Chiari malformation is a neurological disorder that affects the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for balance and coordination.
Chiari malformation is a congenital or acquired condition in which the cerebellum protrudes through the foramen magnum, the opening at the base of the skull. This rare condition restricts the flow of cerebrospinal fluid that protects the brain and spinal cord, which can lead to serious complications.
There are four types of Chiari malformation, classified based on the presence of developmental abnormalities in the spine and brain, as well as how much brain tissue extends into the spinal canal.
Chiari Malformation Type 1: Also known as the adult form, this is the mildest and most common form, often diagnosed in adolescence or even adulthood.
Chiari Malformation Type 2: Sometimes referred to as Arnold-Chiari Malformation, and typically associated with spina bifida. This type is more severe and present at birth.
Chiari Malformation Type 3: A rare and life-threatening form where parts of the cerebellum and brainstem extend into the spinal cord.
Chiari Malformation Type 4: The most severe form involving an underdeveloped or missing cerebellum.
Common Chiari Malformation Symptoms
Chiari malformation affects everyone differently. Some people have little to no symptoms, while others struggle with severe, life-disrupting issues. It all comes down to how much pressure is put on the brain and spinal cord. Common symptoms include:
Chronic headaches, especially at the back of the head
Neck pain and stiffness
Dizziness and balance problems
Muscle weakness and coordination issues
Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and other speech problems
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears and hearing loss
Vision problems, including double vision and light sensitivity
Sleep apnea and breathing difficulties
Cognitive issues, such as memory loss and trouble concentrating
Can You Get Disability Benefits for Chiari Malformation?
Chiari malformation isn't explicitly listed in the SSA's Blue Book of qualifying disabilities, but that doesn't mean you can't get benefits. If your symptoms make it hard to work and go about your daily life, then you may still qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Criteria for Getting Disability Benefits with Chiari Malformation
To qualify for disability benefits, applicants must prove that their medical condition meets the SSA's definition of disability. The SSA considers the following factors:
Severity of Symptoms
If Chiari malformation causes chronic pain, muscle weakness, or neurological impairments that limit mobility and cognitive functions, it may qualify for disability. The SSA assesses how symptoms impact the ability to concentrate and follow instructions, physical activities such as walking, standing, and sitting, and fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Impact on Daily Activities
The SSA evaluates how the condition affects quality of life, including difficulty performing household tasks (like cooking and cleaning), limitations on personal care and hygiene, and the ability to drive or use public transportation.
Functional Limitations
A Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment determines what individuals can still do in a work setting despite their impairments. For people with Chiari malformation, this might include limitations in lifting, carrying, walking, or standing up from a seated position.
Neurological symptoms like dizziness, numbness, headaches, or coordination issues can interfere with tasks requiring concentration or fine motor skills. If symptoms prevent the individual from sustaining full-time work or limit them to only sedentary, low-stress environments, the SSA may find them disabled.
Medical Evidence
Comprehensive medical documentation is crucial in proving disability. Evidence can include things like a doctor's diagnosis, MRI scans, treatment records, and a symptom journal.
Failed Medical Treatment Attempts
If surgical intervention, medications, and/or physical therapy fail to improve symptoms, this strengthens the claim. The SSA may require medical records documenting past and current treatments, as well as statements from medical professionals confirming the treatment resistance.
Non-medical Evidence
Additional supporting evidence, such as statements from friends and family, past employer reports, or a personal disability impact statement, can strengthen a disability claim.
How to Apply for Disability Benefits
Creating an Online Account
You don't have to create an online account to apply for disability benefits. However, having one makes the process easier. To get started, go to the SSA website. Click "Create an Account" and follow the prompts.
What You Need to Complete Your Application
Personal Information
Date of birth for both you and your spouse and where you were born
Date and where you and your spouse got married
Social Security numbers for you and your spouse
The same information for any ex-wives or husbands, as well as the dates you got married and the dates they died (if applicable)
Names of minor children and birth dates
Your bank's ABA routing transit number and your account number (if your benefits are being electronically deposited)
Medical Information
Addresses and phone numbers of hospitals and clinics where you received treatment, including dates and patient I.D. numbers
Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all physicians who treated you, including dates
A list of all medications you're taking and the physicians who prescribed them
Names and dates of all medical tests you received and who ordered them
Past Work Information
How much money you earned last year and this year
Names and addresses of employers for the previous year and this year
A copy of your Social Security Statement
Start and end dates of any active U.S. military service before 1968
Jobs (no more than five) you had in the 15 years before becoming disabled
Information about workers' compensation or similar benefits you filed or intend to file
Required Documentation
Birth certificate or other proof of birth
Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if you weren't born in the US
US military discharge papers if you were a member of an armed service before 1968
W-2 forms and/or self-employment tax returns for last year
Medical evidence you already have, including medical records, doctors' reports, and recent test results that prove you have a disabling condition
Award letters, pay stubs, or other proof of temporary or permanent workers' compensation-type benefits you received
Other Ways of Applying for Benefits
By phone: Call the agency at 1-800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you're deaf or hard of hearing, the number is TTY 1-800-325-0778.
In-person: Visit your local SSA office. (Call first to make an appointment.)
Get Help Applying for Disability Benefits
The disability application process can be complex, and many first-time applicants receive denials due to insufficient medical evidence or minor errors.
Seeking legal assistance from an experienced disability attorney can increase the chances of your disability case getting approved. A disability lawyer can help gather and organize medical records, ensure all application forms are completed accurately, and represent applicants in appeals if necessary.
At Impact Disability Law, we understand how challenging it can be to secure disability benefits for Chiari malformation. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the benefits you deserve.