By Chris Sharry on June 17th, 2025 in Disability, Disability Qualifying
Parkinson’s disease is an age-related degenerative brain condition, meaning it causes parts of your brain to deteriorate. It is a movement disorder of the nervous system that worsens over time. The nervous system is a network of nerve cells that controls many parts of the body, including movement. It’s best known for causing slowed movements, tremors, balance problems and more.
The risk of developing Parkinson’s disease naturally increases with age, and the average age at which it starts is 60 years old. It’s slightly more common in males.
Primary Motor Symptoms
Resting tremor: This happens when a body part on one side of the body (usually a hand or foot) shakes slightly when you’re not using it (hence “resting”). The tremor usually stops when you start doing something with that hand or other body part.
Bradykinesia: The definition of bradykinesia is slow and small movement. You may not be able to walk at your normal pace, step size might be smaller or you may perform repeated movements more slowly (think tapping your fingers on a table). Some examples of this are:
- Freezing of gait: This is when you attempt to take a step forward and suddenly feel as though you can’t, as though your foot is “stuck” to the floor. Sometimes it’s temporary, and once you do start walking, the freezing goes away.
- A “mask” face: Possibly as a result of a combination of rigidity and bradykinesia, your facial expression may look flat or masklike. What happens is your facial muscles lose some of their involuntary movements.
- Micrographia (smaller handwriting): The result of bradykinesia, your ability to perform repetitive motions decreases, leading to smaller, more cramped handwriting.
Rigidity: This occurs when muscles remain tense rather than contracting and relaxing as normal, and is often described by patients as stiffness. Combined with bradykinesia, it’s what causes such phenomena as walking without swinging your arms in a normal motion.
Postural instability/poor balance: This symptom occurs when you find it hard to remain upright, either when standing or as you rise from a chair. It may feel as though you’re tipping backward. You may find it harder to make a quick turn or pivot without tending to fall.
Non-Motor Symptoms
- Cognitive challenges
- Memory problems
- Feeling tongue-tied
- Fatigue
- Sleep problems
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Apathy
- Loss of smell
- Numbness or tingling
- Pain
The Social Security Administration will evaluate your application under listing 11.06.
11.06 Parkinsonian syndrome, characterized by A or B despite adherence to prescribed treatment for at least 3 consecutive months:
A. Disorganization of motor function in two extremities, resulting in an extreme limitation in the ability to stand up from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, or use the upper extremities.
OR
B. Marked limitation in physical functioning, and in one of the following:
- Understanding, remembering, or applying information; or
- Interacting with others; or
- Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace; or
- Adapting or managing oneself.
Even if you do not meet the criteria under Listing 11.06, SSA will evaluate your claim to determine if your limitations prevent you from performing your past relevant work and that there is no other work that you can perform based on your age, education and past work experience.
Navigating Disability Benefits with Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease can have a profound impact on both physical and cognitive abilities, making it difficult or impossible to maintain steady employment. While some individuals may qualify for benefits under Listing 11.06, others may be approved based on how their symptoms limit their ability to perform work-related activities. Documenting the progression and severity of your condition with strong medical evidence is essential to a successful claim. If you or a loved one is struggling to obtain Social Security Disability benefits for Parkinson’s disease, Attorney Christopher Sharry at Sharry & Monfette can help guide you through the process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward securing the benefits you deserve.
