Unlike many other health conditions that arise slowly, having a stroke is a sudden and unexpected life-threatening event that can quickly change the course of one’s life. Stroke survivors have a long road ahead when it comes to recovery, and many are unable to work for an extended period of time, if ever again.
The financial burden for those who have suffered a stroke is heavy.
Thankfully, there are many local and state resources for patients and families who have suffered a stroke in the state of Tennessee. The SSA has created a program to assist individuals who become unable to work due to an injury or illness.
Neurologists in Tennessee
Stroke survivors are typically under the care of a medical team for an indefinite amount of time following their injury, and leading that team is a neurologist. Neurologists specialize in disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
The relationship that you establish with your neurologist will play an essential role in your Social Security disability claim. The outcome of your SSA claim will depend on the medical evidence provided in your application.
As the SSA puts more weight on the opinion and documents provided by a medical specialist, the information provided by your neurologist could make or break your disability claim.
There are several reputable neurologists in Tennessee. Listed below are three neurology practices that could assist you with your health.
The Vanderbilt Clinic Stroke Center
301 Medical Center Dr., Suite 3930
Nashville, TN 37232
(615) 936-0060
Memphis Neurology
1407 Union Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 202-4287
University of Tennessee Neurology Cole Neuroscience Center
2200 Sutherland Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37919
(865) 521-6174
Support Groups for Stroke Survivors in Tennessee
One of the risk factors related to stroke recovery involves social isolation. As you learn to navigate the world differently, some of the social ties that held you together may change or no longer exist. Many survivors will attest to the fact that they found great value in attending a support group.
Stroke support groups can offer a safe place to share your thoughts and emotions, gain invaluable advice, learn new ways to cope, and to feel a general sense of belonging. There are several stroke support groups in Tennessee and listed below are three of them.
Stroke & Brain Aneurysm Survivor Support Group
Meets Every 2nd Wednesday 4:30 – 5:30 pm
1818 Patterson Street
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 340-4100
Thrive! Stroke Support Group Meets Every 4th Wednesday 11:00 am – 12:30 pm 1350 Concourse Ave Suite 142 Memphis, TN 38104 (901) 701-2253
University of Tennessee Medical Center Stroke Support Group
Meets Every 3rd Tuesday 4:30 – 5:30 pm
1924 Alcoa Highway, Box 52
Knoxville, TN 37920
(865) 305-7530
How to Apply for SSD Benefits in Tennessee
Residents of the state of Tennessee who are out of work due to the long-term consequences of a stroke may be eligible to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance or SSDI. The SSA processes stroke applications a little differently than they do for other disabilities.
Since the lasting effects of a stroke often cannot be determined immediately afterward, the SSA will not consider stroke claims until at least three months have passed since the injury occurred.
As with all medical conditions considered for disability benefits, the effects of your stroke must be expected to cause you to be out of work for at least 12 months. If your neurologist feels that you will have challenges working due to your stroke at least a year after the injury, and if a full three months have passed since the event, you can apply for disability benefits directly online or by visiting any one of Tennessee’s 28 Social Security offices.
Here are three of the largest ones in the state:
Nashville
120 Athens Way
Nashville, Tennessee 37228
(877) 808-5461
Memphis
1330 Monroe Avenue
Memphis, Tennessee 38104 (866) 336-2212
Knoxville
8530 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, Tennessee 37919
(866) 331-9091
Seek the Counsel of a Social Security Lawyer
With a population of over 4 million people, the Social Security offices in the state of Tennessee are quite busy. While they work hard to try to process claims promptly, approvals can take up to two years.
One of the best ways to enhance your chances of a timely approval for your stroke claim is to submit a complete application with all of the medical evidence attached. An experienced Social Security lawyer can make sure that all of the required documentation has been obtained from your neurologist and other healthcare providers.
He or she can help assist you in gathering any additional supporting medical evidence, thus improving your odds of approval the first time around.
