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• Anthony Reeves is the founder of the Reeves Law Firm, with practice areas in the area of Social Security Disability, Labor and Employment, Personal Industry, Industrial Accidents, and Family Law.

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Social Security Tips for certain disability cases, Part II: Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a severe medical condition that can have powerful effects on your day-to-day functions.   Most people have epileptic events called seizures.  These seizures are usually Petit Mal Seizures or Grand Mal Seizures.

Petit Mal Seizures may be manifested by ’staring episodes’.  The individual may find themselves experiencing periods of time where they are cognizant of their surrounds and may literally be non responsive (even though they are awake).  In most cases, persons with Petit Mal Seizures lose track of time during the seizures.

Grand Mal Seizures are the convulsive attacks that result in the individual experiencing rapid body movement, eye rolling, and other involuntary body functions for a period of time.   The person may urinate or defecate on themselves during these attacks.  These events are so traumatic that some people need lengthy periods of time to regain their composure.

Most people think that epilepsy is so traumatic that an individual should be approved fairly easily.  Due to its unpredictability, the symptoms can affect you in a variety of different ways.   Despite the severity of this condition, it is difficult to demonstrate that the condition can prevent from performing work on a full time basis.

In order to appreciate the difficulties of these cases, here’s a few things to keep in mind:

1) How often do you have them? A seizure calendar is a great tool.  Take a blank calendar and everytime you have a seizure, mark it down.  Distinguish between Petit Mal or Grand Mal.  Since most people don’t remember when they have one, it is important that you have a loved one help you keep track.

2) Take your meds. Some people have the opinion that once they go a period of time without a seizure that they must be fine.  It most instances, this just means that the medication levels are at a point where it can balance your seizure.  Unfortunately, some people get a false sense of security and think this means they are cured.  WRONG! Unless your doctor tells you to stop, keep taking your medicines.

3) What happens after the attack? Here’s where loved ones can help.  Some people take a few minutes to recompose themselves.  Some people need to take a nap.  Some people need to lay down.  In most instances, the person having the seizure doesn’t remember, but you should have a friend or family member let you know what is going on after you come out of your attack (as well as tell you how LONG the attack was).

4) What are your restrictions? Are you allowed to be around the stove? Can you stay with the kids by yourself?  Has your driving license been taken away?  All of these things are necessary to help you with your claim.

5) Sugar Coating it or Sour Coating it will NOT help your case. Listen, don’t front.  Epilepsy cases are hard to win.  So don’t act like you’re not having many seizures when you actually ARE and don’t act like you’re having a bunch when  you’re not.

Recognize the importance and the difficulty of your case if you are alleging Epilepsy.  These little things may make a HUGE difference.

TOMORROW’s CASE:  ASTHMA

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