Individuals with severe Cerebral Palsy often do not have difficulty being approved for Social Security, but they still must go through the entire Social Security Disability application process. The disability listing (11.07) is very specific as to what is required before an applicant with Cerebral Palsy can be approved for disability. There are four main requirements, but only one is necessary in order to be approved. It is not necessary for more than one requirement to apply.

Category #1: IQ of 70 or less.

It doesn’t get much simpler than that. If this applies, the course of action is to have the applicant tested by a valid source and obtain a copy of the IQ results to submit to Social Security.

Category #2: Abnormal behavior patterns, such as destructiveness or emotional instability.

This one will obviously need to be affirmed by a medical professional. It doesn’t hurt to submit other accounts as well, whether family members or neighbors or even coworkers or authority figures in previous work attempts, if applicable.

Category #3: Significant interference in communication due to speech, hearing, or visual defect.

Remember that any disability must prevent an applicant from working in order to be approved. So even Cerebral Palsy must be severe enough that the applicant cannot communicate effectively enough to perform any type of work. Social Security will evaluate the applicant to see if this is the case. If medical records do not sufficiently demonstrate interference in communication, they may refer the applicant to a medical professional. This individual may be an expert in speech, hearing loss, or vision respective to the individual’s claim.

Category #4: Disorganization of motor function.

This category is perhaps the most confusing, but it is basically defined by Social Security as “Significant and persistent disorganization of motor function in two extremities, resulting in sustained disturbance of gross and dexterous movements, or gait and station.”

Social Security also states that this “disorganization” may occur “in the form of paresis or paralysis, tremor or other involuntary movements, ataxia and sensory disturbances (any or all of which may be due to cerebral, cerebellar, brain stem, spinal cord, or peripheral nerve dysfunction) which occur singly or in various combinations.” While assessing this disorder, the degree of difficulty with using fingers, hands, and arms is also tested.

If an applicant has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and the condition is considered moderate to severe, it is likely one of these categories will apply. If you have questions or wish to clarify any of the above information, contact Social Security or a disability lawyer. Remember that this information was taken from the Social Security listing, but some has been simplified for the purposes of easier understanding and should not be considered professional advice.

If your Social Security disability claim for Cerebral Palsy is denied, do not get frustrated. Most applicants are denied once or even twice before their claim is seriously considered. Make sure you have all your medical evidence in to Social Security so no time is wasted. If you want to maximize your chances of success, it may be worth it to look into the services of a disability lawyer. Wherever you are in the process, best of luck.

About the Author

Becca has been involved in the Social Security Disability world since 1995 and enjoys watching the program change lives for the better.

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