Mental Retardation

Including: Significantly below average intellectual functioning.

In order to be granted Social Security Disability or SSI benefits, the mental retardation must be affecting the claimant to the point that he or she would not be able to do any kind of work. Consider if there are any jobs that this person could reasonably take on without needing additional help or special treatment from the employer. IQ tests will be very helpful in determining how severe the mental retardation is.

When a disability claim for mental retardation is reviewed, Social Security will want to know if it has caused the person to be unable to care for their own personal needs, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting, inability to follow directions, difficulty with social functioning, difficulties maintaining concentration, persistence or pace, and an IQ below 70. The more of these symptoms that are displayed, and the more severe, the higher the chances are of a social security disability or SSI claim being granted.

As with any disability, your chances of being granted increase if you have consistent medical records of your condition. If you have not seen any doctors within a few months of your application, you may be sent to a doctor who will evaluate your condition. It is best to have your own doctor.

If you are not sure whether or not your claim would qualify for benefits, give us a call. It is always best to get an application in if you are unsure. Some people wait so long that they lose their eligibility for Social Security, and many lose months of benefits for waiting to apply.

The medical listings that describe the criteria for Heart Conditions are; 12.05 Mental Retardation – Adult.