By Chris Sharry on December 10th, 2024 in Disability Qualifying, Social Security Disability
Meniere’s disease is an inner ear problem that can cause dizzy spells, also called vertigo, and hearing loss. Many patients want to know if Meniere’s Disease qualifies for social security disability. Meniere’s disease can happen at any age, but it usually starts between the ages of 40 to 60. Symptoms can happen suddenly and may happen daily. Or they may not happen often. The symptoms are most often in one ear. These are the most common symptoms of Ménière disease:
- Vertigo, a severe spinning feeling that can cause:
- Severe nausea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Loss of hearing or muffled hearing
- Not able to hear low frequencies
- Pressure in the affected ear
- Loss of balance
- Headaches
How is Meniere’s Disease Diagnosed?
- Physical Exam
- Hearing test. This will help find any changes in hearing related to disease in the middle ear or other causes.
- Balance test. This may include an electronystagmogram (ENG), rotational testing, or balance platform testing.
- MRI. This is done to see if a tumor is present.
- Electrocochleography (ECOG). This test measures electrical activity of the inner ear.
Qualifying Under Social Security Listing 2.07
Meniere’s disease is evaluated by Social Security Administration under Listing 2.07.
2.07 Disturbance of labyrinthine-vestibular function (Including Ménière’s disease), characterized by a history of frequent attacks of balance disturbance, tinnitus, and progressive loss of hearing. With both A and B:
A. Disturbed function of vestibular labyrinth demonstrated by caloric or other vestibular tests; and
B. Hearing loss established by audiometry. If you do not meet listing 2.07, your claim will be evaluated under the medical-vocational allowance to determine if you can perform your past relevant work or if there are any other jobs that you can still perform based on your residual functional capacity.
Contact an Experienced SSDI Attorney for Guidance
If you are living with Meniere’s disease and struggling to work due to the debilitating symptoms, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. Navigating the claims process can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with complex medical evidence and eligibility criteria such as Listing 2.07. An experienced SSDI attorney can help you gather the necessary documentation, present a compelling case, and advocate on your behalf during appeals if needed. Contact Attorney Christopher Sharry today to discuss your claim and secure the benefits you deserve.
