Chicago Narcolepsy Disability Attorneys

Illinois Social Security Disability Lawyers

Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that affects sleep patterns.  Individuals who suffer from narcolepsy may experience prolonged and excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks that can occur at any time or during any activity.  Narcolepsy typically begins between the ages of 15 and 25, but it can develop at any point in a person’s life.  The causes of narcolepsy remain unknown but some experts believe that narcolepsy may be caused by a deficiency in the production of hypocretin, a chemical in the brain.

• Symptoms of narcolepsy can include:
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Cataplexy (or a sudden loss of muscle tone that leads to feelings of weakness and a loss of voluntary muscle control)
• Hallucinations
• Sleep paralysis (the temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up)

Narcolepsy is not a specific category in the Social Security Administration’s “Listing of Impairments,” but that does not mean that an individual suffering from narcolepsy is not eligible for social security disability benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

Because narcolepsy does not have a specific listing, the SSA will assess a narcoleptic condition and its impact on your ability to engage in substantial gainful activity (i.e. employment) more closely by assessing functional capacity, or the activities that you are able to perform in spite of your medical condition.  In other words, if narcolepsy and its related symptoms, such as cataplexy, has prevented you from working for the past 12 months, or is expected to prevent you from working at least 12 months, SSDI or SSI disability benefits may be available.

A social security disability application based on narcolepsy requires significant information regarding the condition and its impact on the applicant’s work abilities.  A skilled disability attorney can guide you through the entire disability application process to ensure that the appropriate medical and vocational information is included with your social security disability application.

At Ankin Law our knowledgeable Chicago social security disability attorneys have considerable experience assisting clients with the entire claim process – from application filing to hearing.  We will thoroughly explain the Social Security laws and claim process to you.  Our Chicago social security disability benefits lawyers are particularly knowledgeable about social security laws and will explain the process and requirements so that you understand what is required of you to receive social security disability benefits.

If you suffer from narcolepsy and your condition prevents you from working, contact the knowledgeable Chicago disability law firm of Ankin Law to schedule a free consultation.