Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is rarely simple, especially when your condition doesn’t present consistently. Many neurological disorders—such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and certain forms of neuropathy—cause symptoms that come and go, making it harder for Social Security to assess your ability to work.
If your SSDI application was denied and your symptoms vary day to day, you’re not alone. Many people with legitimate disabilities struggle to prove the full extent of their limitations. At PLBH, we help employees appeal denied claims by showing how fluctuating symptoms still meet Social Security’s definition of disability.
Why SSDI Claims Based on Neurological Disorders Are Often Denied
The Social Security Administration (SSA) wants to know whether your condition prevents you from engaging in “substantial gainful activity” on a consistent basis. When symptoms vary widely, SSA reviewers may conclude you’re capable of working on your “good” days—even if those days are rare or unpredictable.
Common reasons for denial include:
- Inadequate documentation of symptom variability
- Lack of detailed medical records
- Misunderstanding the episodic nature of the condition
- Failure to meet the strict criteria in SSA’s impairment listings
The good news is that you can appeal a denial and strengthen your case—especially with the right supporting evidence.
What the SSA Needs to See in an Appeal
To win your appeal, you’ll need to provide compelling proof that your neurological disorder significantly limits your ability to function consistently in a work environment. This means going beyond a diagnosis and showing how your symptoms interfere with basic work tasks, even if they aren’t present every day.
Key elements to include:
- Longitudinal medical records
Your appeal should include documentation over a period of time, showing how your symptoms come and go and how frequently they occur. The SSA values consistency and detail in medical reporting. - Neurological assessments and test results
Objective evidence like MRIs, EEGs, or nerve conduction studies can support your diagnosis, even if they don’t reflect symptom severity on any given day. - Detailed treatment history
Demonstrating that you have followed prescribed treatments—even when they offer only partial or temporary relief—shows the SSA that your condition is genuine and persistent.
Tips for Documenting Fluctuating Symptoms
Because your symptoms vary, tracking them yourself becomes critical. Don’t rely solely on office visits to reflect your day-to-day reality.
Try the following:
- Keep a daily symptom journal
Record symptoms, severity, duration, and how they affect your ability to perform tasks like walking, concentrating, using your hands, or communicating. - Track medication effects
Include whether medications help, cause side effects, or lose effectiveness over time. - Note missed work or modified tasks
If you’ve had to call in sick, reduce hours, or change your role because of your symptoms, include that in your documentation. - Get written statements from others
Letters from family members, caregivers, or coworkers who have observed your condition can help illustrate how your symptoms interfere with daily life.
When to Speak With an Attorney
Navigating an SSDI appeal—especially when your symptoms are inconsistent—is not something you have to handle alone. An experienced disability attorney can help:
- Organize your documentation
- Coordinate with your healthcare providers
- Request a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment
- Represent you in hearings before an administrative law judge
An attorney familiar with neurological impairments can frame your case in a way that highlights how unpredictable symptoms can still meet the legal definition of disability.
Get Help With Your SSDI Appeal Today
If your claim was denied and your symptoms fluctuate from day to day, contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542. We understand how neurological conditions can impact your ability to work—and we’re here to help you build a strong appeal that reflects your true limitations.