Is Arnold-Chiari Malformation a Disability?
Yes, Arnold-Chiari Malformation (Chiari Malformation) can qualify for disability benefits under Social Security Administration (SSA) rules when it causes symptoms severe enough to interfere with daily functioning and prevent full-time work.
Arnold-Chiari Malformation is a structural defect in the brain in which parts of the cerebellum or brainstem extend into the spinal canal, disrupting normal cerebrospinal fluid flow and placing pressure on critical neurological structures.
For some individuals, this leads to mild symptoms, while for others it causes severe, disabling complications.
Whether you qualify for Chiari Malformation disability benefits depends on the severity of your symptoms, how long they last or are expected to last, the medical evidence supporting your diagnosis, and how the condition limits your ability to work and manage everyday activities.
The SSA does not have a single Blue Book listing specifically for Chiari Malformation. However, many applicants qualify for a Chiari Malformation disability allowance by meeting or closely matching other neurological or physical impairment listings, or by proving functional limitations through a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment. Depending on your work history and financial situation, you may qualify for SSDI, SSI, or both.
Common Arnold-Chiari Malformation Symptoms the SSA Looks For
Arnold-Chiari Malformation affects people very differently. Some individuals experience mild symptoms, while others develop serious, life-altering limitations that support a Chiari Malformation disability claim.
The SSA evaluates symptoms based on how they impact neurological and physical functioning over time.
Common symptoms may include chronic headaches (often worsened by coughing or straining), dizziness, balance problems, neck pain, muscle weakness, numbness, and coordination difficulties.
Many people also experience issues with fine motor skills, hearing problems, ringing in the ears, difficulty swallowing or speaking, excessive drooling, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, fatigue, or breathing problems.
Symptoms are especially relevant when they:
- Persist despite treatment
- Worsen with physical activity
- Fluctuate unpredictably and affect reliability
When these symptoms are ongoing, difficult to control, and interfere with daily life or work, they may support approval for Chiari Malformation disability benefits.
How Arnold-Chiari Malformation Can Affect Your Ability to Work
Arnold-Chiari Malformation can interfere with work in ways that go beyond pain alone. Balance issues, dizziness, and coordination problems can make standing, walking, or working safely extremely difficult.
Chronic headaches and neurological symptoms often reduce concentration, slow productivity, and make it hard to complete a full workday.
Many individuals pursuing Chiari Malformation disability allowance benefits also struggle with safety concerns, such as fainting spells, vision disturbances, or impaired motor control, which can limit the types of jobs they can perform.
Frequent medical appointments, ongoing neurological care, and unpredictable flare-ups may further disrupt attendance and consistency, making long-term employment difficult to sustain.
SSA Medical Criteria for Arnold-Chiari Malformation
Because Chiari Malformation does not have its own Blue Book listing, the SSA evaluates Chiari Malformation disability claims under other listings based on the symptoms involved.
Neurological limitations such as balance problems, coordination issues, or motor impairment are often evaluated under Section 11.00 (Neurological Disorders). Swallowing difficulties, choking, or chronic vomiting may be considered under Section 5.00 (Digestive Disorders).
There are several listings for dizziness that you may want to review and see if you meet the criteria, such as Section 3.02, chronic pulmonary insufficiency; Section 4.04, ischemic heart disease; and Section 4.11, chronic venous insufficiency.
To evaluate your claim, the SSA reviews medical evidence such as MRI or CT scans, neurological exams, treatment history, and medication records.
They also consider reports that describe how your symptoms affect daily activities, independence, and work-related tasks. A diagnosis alone is not enough, your records must clearly show functional limitations.
If You Don’t Meet the SSA Criteria With Arnold-Chiari Malformation
Many people are approved for Chiari Malformation disability allowance benefits even if they do not meet a specific Blue Book listing. In these cases, the SSA relies on a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) evaluation to determine whether you can perform full-time work on a consistent basis.
You may qualify if symptoms such as severe headaches, dizziness, balance problems, or neurological deficits prevent you from working safely, maintaining attendance, or staying productive throughout the day.
Chronic symptoms, failed treatments, or worsening neurological function can significantly strengthen an RFC-based claim.
How Much Does Disability Pay With Arnold-Chiari Malformation?
Disability benefit amounts are not based on the diagnosis itself, including Arnold-Chiari Malformation, but on your work history and financial situation.
For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), monthly payments typically range from about $1,200 to $2,000 per month, depending on your prior earnings. Individuals with a long and steady work history may receive up to $4,000 or more per month.
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), payments are based on financial need and capped at federal limits. In 2026, SSI benefits are up to approximately $990 per month for individuals and about $1,490 per month for couples, with some states offering additional supplements.
In addition to monthly benefits, some applicants approved for a Chiari Malformation disability allowance may also qualify for back pay, which can total several thousand dollars or more, depending on when the SSA determines the disability began and how long the application or appeals process takes.
To get an individualized estimate of how much money you could receive each month in disability benefits from the SSA for Arnold-Chiari Malformation, use our Social Security Benefits Calculator.
How to Apply for Disability With Arnold-Chiari Malformation
Applying for Chiari Malformation disability benefits requires careful preparation and strong documentation. Following prescribed treatment plans and clearly recording how symptoms affect daily life and work is critical.
Helpful evidence often includes medical imaging, neurological test results, medication records and side effects, symptom tracking, RFC forms completed by your treating physician, and statements from family members or employers that describe how your condition limits you.
How a Disability Lawyer Can Help With Your Case
A disability lawyer can help organize your medical records, communicate with the SSA, obtain supporting medical opinions, and guide you through the application or appeals process.
If your Arnold-Chiari Malformation disability claim is denied, an attorney can represent you at hearings and ensure deadlines and requirements are met. There are no upfront fees, disability lawyers are only paid if you win your case. Take our free disability evaluation today.
