Hydrocephalus is a medical condition characterized by excessive fluid accumulation in the brain. The buildup of fluid increases pressure within the skull and can cause severe and debilitating physical and mental impairments that may be permanent even after treatment.
If a disability caused by excessive fluid accumulation in the brain prevents you or a loved one from working, you may be eligible for Social Security for hydrocephalus. For the last 45 years, Sackett and Associates has been the disability law firm relied upon by thousands of individuals in Northern California and throughout the country for assistance with Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income claims involving all types of medical conditions.
What Is Hydrocephalus?
Although many people know hydrocephalus as “water on the brain,” the fluid that builds up to abnormal amounts is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and not water. It’s normal for CSF to surround a person’s brain and spinal cord to deliver nutrients and remove waste.
Anything that causes CFS to build up to abnormal levels increases pressure inside the skull impairs brain function. If left untreated, the increased pressure can be fatal.
Congenital hydrocephalus is present at birth and can be caused by genetic and environmental factors, including the following:
- Brain and spinal defects, such as spina bifida.
- Bleeding and other complications of premature birth.
- Rubella and other infections during pregnancy.
Acquired hydrocephalus develops after birth. Common causes include the following:
- Stroke
- Tumors of the brain or spinal cord.
- Head injuries.
- Infections of the brain or spinal cord, such as meningitis.
Symptoms associated with the condition include:
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Vision impairment
- Fatigue and drowsiness
- Impaired short-term memory
- Balance and coordination problems
Older adults with hydrocephalus may have mild dementia, forgetfulness, and loss of bladder control.
How Is Hydrocephalus Diagnosed And Treated?
Healthcare providers conduct neurological evaluations in combination with MRIs, CT scans, and other diagnostic tests to determine if a person has hydrocephalus and decide on the best way to treat it. Hydrocephalus does not go away on its own and can be fatal if left untreated. Treatment options include brain surgery to relieve the pressure created by an abnormal amount of CSF.
Social Security Disability For Hydrocephalus
The Social Security Administration has two programs for people with medical conditions causing permanent and total disabilities. The SSI program is available to blind or disabled adults and children with little or no income and assets or resources valued at no more than $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples. Eligibility is also available to adults 65 and older who are not blind or disabled, provided they meet the financial criteria.
The SSDI program is available to disabled workers with employment histories that are long enough and recent enough to meet the eligibility guidelines. Applicants must have worked at jobs where they paid into the Social Security retirement system through Social Security payroll taxes.
Qualifying For Disability With Hydrocephalus
Adult applicants for SSDI and SSI for hydrocephalus must have medical documentation proving they have a physical or mental impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death that prevents them from doing work activities. Social Security uses a listing of impairments, also called the “Blue Book,” as the first step in the disability review process to determine if their medical condition is severe enough to be permanently disabled.
Hydrocephalus is not a listed impairment, but other medical conditions, such as stroke and brain injury, are listed. Medical records proving your condition matches or is functionally equivalent to a listed impairment may allow you to qualify for SSI or SSDI.
If you cannot qualify for disability benefits using the listing of impairments, you may qualify using residual functional capacity. RFC determines the limitations imposed by your medical condition and whether it permits you to do the type of work you did in the past or train to do other kinds of work.
Hydrocephalus Disability Benefits California
Your average lifetime Social Security earnings determine the amount you receive as monthly SSDI benefit payments. The more you earn, the more you receive in SSDI benefits.
SSI payments are based on need, with the maximum monthly federal benefit being $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples in 2025. You may receive less depending on the income you receive from other sources. The hydrocephalus disability benefits California residents receive from SSI may be higher because the state supplements the federal benefits. A disabled individual living independently in California can receive as much as $1,206.94 monthly.
Let A California Disability Law Firm Help With Your Social Security Disability Claim
More than two-thirds of the applicants who file for SSI and SSDI for hydrocephalus are denied benefits. Learn how a disability lawyer with 45 years of experience can make a difference for you. Contact Sackett Law today for a free consultation.
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