According to the Social Security administration, “The child must have a physical or mental condition(s) that very seriously limits his or her activities and the condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 1 year or result in death.”

Household income and assets will be taken into consideration in determining the size of an economic award for a disabled child.

The good news is that scientists are discovering more effective ways to prevent and treat strokes. Harvard’s School of Public Health researchers have identified five lifestyle factors that can cut the risk of ischemic strokes (clots blocking the flow of blood to the brain) by 80% and all strokes (including hemorrhagic or blood vessel rupture) by 50%. The big 5 are :

1)   don’t smoke

2)   maintain a normal weight

3)   eat a prudent diet

4)   exercise regularly

5)   moderate alcohol consumption

Some additional measures to consider are taking statin mediations to lower LDL cholesterol, eating more fish that contain omega-3 fatty acids three or more times per week and drinking green or black tea daily.

It is extremely important for everyone, especially high-risk elderly and patients who have already experienced one stroke, to know the five stroke warning signs. If you experience one or more of the following signs you should call 911 immediately:

1)   Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, particularly if it is on one side of the body only

2)   Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

3)   Sudden visual disturbance in one or both eyes

4)   Sudden confusion or difficulty speaking

5)   Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, loss of coordination or difficulty walking.

Researchers have also found significant benefits and no increased risk for brain injury in people who were treated with tPA, a blood-thinning, clot-dissolving intravenous drug, up to four and a half hours after the onset of stroke symptoms. The lesson learned: get to the ER as quickly as possible upon onset of any of the stroke symptoms.

Fibromyalgia is not a listed impairment, but can significantly limit an individual’s ability to perform basic work activities.  As such, a claimant must demonstrate that their condition is severe enough to significantly limit their ability to work.  In the case of Fibromyalgia, medical evidence must be clear and convincing.  A general practitioner’s diagnosis is helpful, however,  more emphasis is put on expert testimony from medical specialists such as orthopaedics or rheumatologists who diagnosis and treat patients with chronic Fibromyalgia.  If a general practitioner has diagnosed Fibromyalgia, it is highly recommended that you urge him to refer you to an appropriate specialist for treatment of the condition.  Documented medical records from a specialist in conjunction with claimant’s testimony at the hearing will give the claimant the best chances at prevailing in a claim for Social Security disability.

If you delay filing for benefits, you may not meet the minimum requirement for credits earned within the last ten years.  For every three months that passes, your credits will be reduced by one if your qualifying credits were earned at the beginning of the ten year period.  Simply waiting 3 months to file could potentially in a denial of benefits! So, don’t delay!

Find out more about filing for social security disability benefits by clicking here.