How to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits when you have Meniere’s Disease
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We recently received this helpful article from Ram Meyyappan of Social Security Disability Help. Hope you find it useful if you are out of work in the U.S. because of Meniere’s.
Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits with Meniere’s Disease in the United States.
Meniere’s Disease can result in sporadic episodes of vertigo. The spinning sensation and fluctuating
hearing loss can make it almost impossible to maintain the responsibilities associated with full time work
activity. If the symptoms associated with Meniere’s Disease have prevented you from performing fulltime work activity and have resulted in the loss of income, Social Security Disability benefits may be able to help alleviate some of the financial strain.
There are two disability programs that you may qualify for if you suffer from this condition, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Qualifying for SSDI Benefits
In order to qualify for SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits through your previous work history. As of 2013, you earn one work credit for every $1,160 that you earn.
You can earn a total of up to four work credits per year. If you are age 31 or older, you must have a total of 20 work credits in order to qualify for SSDI benefits. If you are under the age of 31, you must have worked half of the time since turning age 21.
For example, if you are 29, you must have worked four of the past eight years in order to have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits. If you do not have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits, you may be able to qualify for SSI benefits.
Qualifying for SSI Benefits
SSI is a needs-based program. You do not need any work credits to qualify for SSI benefits. You must, however, meet the financial criteria that have been set forth by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
In addition to proving that you are disabled according to Social Security guidelines, you must also not earn more than $710 per month as an individual or $1,060 per month as a couple. Your household assets must also not exceed $2,000 as an individual or $3,000 as a couple.
Meeting the Blue Book Criteria
The easiest way to qualify for disability is by meeting a condition that is listed in the Social Security Blue Book or a condition that meets or equals a Blue Book listing.
The Blue Book is a publication set forth by the SSA that lists all of the conditions that could possibly qualify an individual for Social Security
Disability benefits, along with the criteria that must be met for each condition that is listed.
Meniere’s Disease is covered under Section 2.07 of the Blue Book, which covers disturbance of
labyrinthine-vestibular function. According to the Blue Book, in order to qualify for disability benefits with Meniere’s Disease, you must be able to prove that:
• You suffer from disturbed function of vestibular labyrinth demonstrated by caloric or other vestibular tests;
• You suffer from hearing loss that has been established by audiometry.
To prove your disability to the SSA, you will want to include copies of certain medical evidence with your disability application. Examples of what should be included are:
• Bekesy audiometry results
• Pure tone and speech audiometry results
• Positional and caloric testing results
• Copies of polytomogram results
• Imaging reports of the skull and temporal bone such as CAT scan or MRI with or without contrast material.
For more information on applying for disability with Meniere’s disease, please visit:
You can apply for Social Security Disability benefits online (http://ssa.gov/pgm/disability.htm) or in person at your local Social Security office. You will be asked to fill out a number of forms including the Adult Disability Checklist, the Adult Disability Report, and the actual disability application.
If you are applying in person, you should bring copies of the medical records mentioned above with you to your appointment. If you are applying online, you will be provided with a cover sheet that will allow you to fax your medical evidence to the Social Security Administration.
Make sure that you do so as soon as possible to avoid delays in the processing of your application. You will receive a decision regarding your disability claim within three to six months of the date of your application.
If your claim for Social Security Disability benefits is denied, you have 60 days from the date of the denial notice to appeal the decision. If you need to file an appeal, you may want to consider retaining the services of a disability attorney.
A disability attorney can help you determine why your initial claim was denied and will help you gather the evidence that is needed to strengthen your claim.
Possible New Answer to Dizziness and Balance in Meniere’s Disease
Vestibular Prosthesis To Help Restore Balance For Those With Meniere’s Disease
On June 18th 2013 Medical News Today published a press release about a new proposed treatment to restore balance in sufferers of Meniere’s Disease.
A doctor Christopher Phillips and his colleagues from the University of Washington in Seattle, are developing and testing a new vestibular prosthesis which delivers electrical stimulation to the fluid inside the semi-circular canals of the ear. In effect, the stimulation of the fluid makes the brain believe that the body is moving or swaying in a certain direction. This then causes a compensatory postural reflex to stabilize the posture thereby helping to restore balance.
In results so far, the conclusion is:
Overall the results illustrate that this type of prosthesis may eventually be a possible treatment for balance issues caused by Meniere’s disease. However, there are a large number of matters which would need resolving before it is ready for use. The lack of consistency in direction and magnitude of sway response would require further study to ensure that any prosthesis developed could give reliable results for different individuals.
Our view is that although this is not a cure or dealing with the original cause of Meniere’ Disease we hope it may be a significant breakthrough in “treatments” for the symptoms of vertigo and dizziness.
Dr. Peter Wehling Founder of The Center for Molecular Orthopedics in Dusseldorf, Germany has developed a procedure where the patient’s own blood is taken, incubated and manipulated then reintroduced into the body and acts as a “natural” anti-inflammatory. Originally this was used for treating sports people to combat chronic pain, usually in joints. The treatment is called “Orthokine” therapy.
Orthokine Therapy is a form of injection therapy, which harnesses and enhances the bodies natural defense mechanisms against inflammation to reduce pain and improve function.
The Orthokine Procedure
Blood is taken from the patient. The procedure is carried out similarly to a blood sampling for laboratory testing and is not pain-associated
Blood is incubated at 37°C, which stimulates the production of IL-1Ra.
Using a laboratory centrifuge to separate the blood components, the protein is extracted
This extraction is filed in ampoules, later available in injection form
The protein is then injected within the painful area of the joints, using CT guidance
Typically, injections are given 1-2 times a week. Treatment for discogenic diseases requires 4 injections, while lesions of the joints of the extremities, a minimum of 6 injections are usually required. Following injections, patients are advised to avoid strenuous exercise for a period of 48 hours. Some side effects may include swelling and numbness around the injection site, which may last around 2 hours
The ear is affected by inflammation in Meniere’s disease and the procedure is said to have been developed further where it may be possible for the hearing and balance nerves damaged by Meniere’s to be healed. Dana White, the UFC President recently received this treatment in Germany is said to feel “cured”.
Orthokine therapy, if available to you, is certainly an option worth investigating.
Can Orthokine therapy work for Meniere’s disease?
Orthokine therapy may come at a cost of a five figure sum and although is becoming more available it is still quite rare (at the time of writing). If you have the kind of money Dana White has then it has to be an option worth considering but for the vast majority it may be financially and practically out of reach for the time being.
As orthokine therapy is not a recognized specific treatment for Meniere’s disease it is unlikely you will be able to get this offered on national health nor be covered by insurance. You will need to find a private clinic and talk about your options.
However, identifying the root cause of your symptoms, be it viral, spinal and neck misalignment, exposure to chemicals or drugs, autoimmune problems, dental or Jaw misalignments or whatever, is possible and it is also possible to reverse the long standing effects and results of years of vertigo attacks and constant pressure within the inner ear that have caused hearing deterioration and balance nerve damage.
Help other sufferers. Let us know your thoughts and any experience with Orthokine therapy in the comments box below or email Mike at: meniereshelp@gmail.com
Are the symptoms of Meniere’s Disease connected to the Cervical Spine?
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Chiropractics And Meniere’s Disease
The link between Meniere’s symptoms, particularly vertigo and neck irregularities may be one of the several possible causes of Meniere’s Disease and you would be wise to have your neck and spine checked if you are a sufferer. You can also will find more information related to Chiropractics and Meniere’s Disease & vestibular problems elsewhere on Meniere’s Help.
Dietary Changes & Chiropractics to beat Meniere’s Disease: Testamonial
This lady combined supplementation and diet changes for a yeast overgrowth with Chiropractics to free herself of Meniere’s Disease symptoms. Below is her a summary of her communication with Meniere’s Help:
Hi Michael,
Sorry for the delay in replying to you.
I am doing much better these days. I was initially taking the supplements for over 4 months without real improvement and not being able to pinpoint any factors which was my trigger. Someone told me about a doctor in Belfast who no longer worked for the NHS as he took a more alternative therapy view on health, a more holistic approach. I attended his clinic about 3 months ago and after a consultation and some investigations he diagnosed my problem as candida overgrowth. To deal with the bacteria overgrowth and he put me on a strict diet (no yeast, no dairy, no sugar). He also had me attend a chiropractor as he felt my neck had a lot of tension in it which could be triggering some of my dizziness/vertigo. Since I have been on this diet & the supplements and finished course of chiropractor treatment i am feeling much better, more energy, no vertigo in 2 months, sleeping better….just feeling like my old self again! The only thing that still bothers me at times is the tinnitus but i can live with that!
Thanks once again for the help and support i received from yourself and Karin
Note: Candida is a yeast infection that can occur in several parts of the body including the stomach (often the root), the genital area, the mouth and the EAR. Natural things that combat candida are ginger, garlic, grapefruit and probiotics. Some things that can cause or encourage candida growth are sweet foods, alcohol (especially beer) and ani-biotics. It is generally advised these day that after a course of anti-biotics you should use probiotics or Probiotic yogurts are plentiful in the shops these days.
Ear candling is said to be a good treatment for candida.
NCR – Neurocranial Restructuring
We had one gentleman this week who combined supplementation and NCR and was so happy that he requested that we put a video or some info on the website, “even if helps just one person” he said.
Below is a video about a unique Neurocranial Restructuring (NCR) method. You may find it worth investigating, especially if you have sinus trouble or persistent slight tinnitus that won’t go away despite living otherwise free of all the other symptoms through diet and supplementation.
While it is true many people are living symptom free from strengthening their immune system with the supplements and this allows our own immune system to take care of the inflammation causing the build of fluid in the inner ear. It is not a cure. If you have Meniere’s as a result of skeletal muscular problems in the back and neck area etc then NCR (seen in this video) may actually help tackle your root cause.
Around the 6 minute mark there is a patient who had Meniere’s Disease and Vertigo. In this video it also mentions TMJ, Migraines, Neck pain, Sinuses, Whiplash, Fibromalgia, Back pain, Tinnitus, Fatigue, Dizziness, and Core posture. All of these are claimed to have a correlation with “Meniere’s Disease” from different sources.
Email us at meniereshelp@gmail.com
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How Chiropractic Rehabilitation May Help Your Meniere’s Symptoms
We have posted a few times on Chiropractics, and how it may help your Meniere’s disease symptoms. Here is a detailed report on this topic. It may be worth visiting a reputable Chiropractor and have them check your spine and neck, to see if your symptoms are cervical in origin.
* Note: Your Chiropractor should be cervical certified *
In the article below (click the link at the bottom for the full article) The doctor states: “The dysfunction causing vertigo concerns the total balance function and not the inner ear function alone.” The eyes are part of that system and if you have Meniere’s, you will notice how it often feels the state of the eyes can trigger an attack. Simply watching TV, observing a moving object, strain from staring at computer screens etc.
Karel Lewit, MD, one of the foremost authorities in the world on locomotor system dysfunction and its effects on equilibrium, states: “It is important to stress that a cervical factor may be present in all forms of vertigo and dizziness … in no field is manipulation more effective than in the treatment of disturbances of equilibrium.”1 Because the entire locomotor as well as vestibular and visual system is involved in the regulation of equilibrium, all factors must be considered in the patient who suffers from disorders of this system. Michel Norre, noted authority in the field of vertigo and disequilibrium, states: “The dysfunction causing vertigo concerns the total balance function and not the inner ear function alone.”2 The types of dizziness that are generally most likely to fall into the chiropractic rehabilitative realm are disequilibrium and vertigo.
Disequilibrium is most often cervical in origin, as has been demonstrated by Hulse.3 It has been shown in several studies that the cervical spine plays a very strong role in the body’s regulation of equilibrium sense.4-7 In fact, Guyton7 states that the cervical spine plays the most important role in this regulation. One test that can be useful in determining whether a complaint of disequilibrium is of cervical origin is Hautant’s test.1 Have the patient sitting, preferably in a chair with back support to prevent falling, and holding their arms straight out in front of them, palms down. Have them close their eyes and observe for drifting of their arms to one side. Repeat this with the head turned to the right and to the left and often the deviation will become more marked, particularly when the head is turned to the direction of cervical joint dysfunction. This tests the ability of the cervical spine to appropriately regulate muscle tone in the extremities by properly eliciting the tonic neck reflexes.
Dr Burcon’s work with Meniere’s Disease and Cervical Spine
World Renowned Chiropractic doctor and international speaker on the subject of Meniere’s and Cervical problems Mike Burcon published a peer reviewed paper in 2010 after performing a study on 139 patients.
Here is a short extract from the paper’s abstract:
The cause of Menieres disease is unknown; the pathophysiology is poorly understood, and the treatment empirical. One theory is that the most common cause of Menieres disease is a structural problem, i.e., an upper cervical subluxation complex that is irritating the origin of CNVIII and partially blocking the Eustachian tube. The objective is to demonstrate the effectiveness of cervical specific chiropractic management with one hundred and thirty nine patients medically diagnosed with Menieres disease.
Results:
One hundred thirty out of one hundred and thirty nine patients had inferior and posterior listings with laterality on the opposite side of their involved ear. After one or two specific cervical adjustments, one hundred and thirty six out of the one hundred and thirty nine patients presented with balanced legs and an absence or dramatic reduction of symptoms, especially vertigo. After two years, on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 representing the absence of the symptom and 10 being the worst imaginable, vertigo was lowered from an average of 8.5 to 1.4.
Conclusion:
Prior to the onset of symptoms, all one hundred and thirty nine cases suffered cervical traumas; most from automobile accidents, resulting in previously undiagnosed whiplash injuries. It is unlikely coincidental that one hundred and thirty out of one hundred and thirty nine consecutive Menieres patients would present with a posterior and inferior atlas listing with laterality on the opposite side of the involved ear. More research on Menieres and chiropractic is needed.
Dr Burcon has been very helpful with information and communication with Menieres-Help.Com and has even been kind enough to treat sufferers who have contacted us.
Help other Meniere’s sufferers. Tell us your thoughts or experiences with chiropractics, the neck or back and Meniere’s in the comment box below or email Mike at meniereshelp@gmail.com
This doctor gets a bit over excited about what he says is an often overlooked cause of Meniere’s disease: Autoimmunity, where your own immune system attacks parts of your brain. In a recent study it is claimed that 6% of Meniere’s disease cases are caused by autoimmunity….that was for people with Meniere’s on one side. For people who have Meniere’s symptoms in BOTH ears (bilateral) the study says the number is 16%!!
This doctor obviously feels strongly about this asking, “HAVE YOU BEEN CHECKED FOR THIS?” Ask your doctors about a test called: FUNCTIONAL IMMUNE SYSTEM EVALUATION TEST.
Tests used to diagnose an immune disorder include: Blood tests. Blood tests can determine if you have normal levels of infection-fighting proteins (immunoglobulin) in your blood and measure the levels of blood cells and immune system cells. Abnormal numbers of certain cells can indicate an immune system defect.*
A doctor Christopher Phillips and his colleagues from the University of Washington in Seattle, are developing and testing a new vestibular prosthesis which delivers electrical stimulation to the fluid inside the semi-circular canals of the ear. In effect, the stimulation of the fluid makes the brain believe that the body is moving or swaying in a certain direction. This then causes a compensatory postural reflex to stabilize the posture thereby helping to restore balance.
disease. However, there are a large number of matters which would need resolving before it is ready for use. The lack of consistency in direction and magnitude of sway response would require further study to ensure that any prosthesis developed could give reliable results for different individuals.
