Is Post-Concussion Syndrome Considered a Disability?

Symptoms of post-concussion syndrome include several symptoms following a brain injury that involve a longer recovery time than usual. Post-concussion syndrome may be considered a disability, but it depends on your symptoms and their severity.

Post-concussion syndrome (also called persistent post-concussion symptoms) describes a group of symptoms following a brain injury (concussion) that last longer than the normal expected time frame for recovery. 

Post-concussion syndrome may be considered a disability, depending on the symptoms and their severity. Generally, a mild concussion does not qualify a person for disability benefits, but some people who suffer mild concussions (traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs) are approved for disability under a medical-vocational allowance.

The Social Security Administration disability listing for traumatic brain injury (TBI) under neurological disorders (listing 11.18) describes some symptoms that may occur with post-concussion syndrome. 

To qualify for disability benefits under this listing, medical records must document that you either:

• are unable to control the movement of at least two of your extremities (either an arm and a leg or two arms or two legs), for at least three consecutive months after the injury. This must result in extreme difficulty in balancing while standing or walking, standing up from a seated position, or using your arms.

OR

• have “marked” physical problems along with a “marked” limitation (for at least three months post-injury) in any one of the following areas: 
  • thinking (problems understanding, remembering, or using instructions or other information)
  • finishing tasks (problems with concentration, persistence, or speed)
  • regulating emotions and controlling behavior (problems with responding to demands, adapting to changes, or being aware of normal hazards), and/or
  • interacting with others (problems with socially appropriate behavior).

In order to qualify for disability benefits, patients must provide documentation of all medical treatment and limitations that result from the post-concussion syndrome. The more evidence a person can provide about how the condition limits their ability to work, the better the chances are to qualify for disability benefits. Documentation may include:

• Emergency room records
• Notes from doctors' visits
• Counselor or caseworker notes
• Results of X-rays, MRIs, and other tests
• Neuropsychological testing or IQ testing
• Written statements from friends, family members, or former employers 
• Any documentation of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)