Brain injuries affect millions of people across the United States, including many in the Houston area. Any family with a loved one who has suffered a brain injury knows just how detrimental the injury can be to the person’s everyday life.
According to the Brain Injury Association of America, each year more than 2.5 million people in the U.S. suffer a traumatic brain injury. March was Brain Injury Awareness Month, and the BIAA continued its awareness campaign from 2015, which it called “Not Alone.” The awareness campaign was designed to help educate people about brain injury and the special needs of people with brain injuries. The BIAA provides outreach and support to people with brain injury.
Data from the BIAA shows that on average, one person suffers a TBI every 13 seconds in the U.S. In addition, the number of people in the U.S. who live with a disability related to TBI is at least 5.3 million.
When a person suffers a brain injury, they may be unable to work to support themselves and their family. Social Security Disability benefits are available for people in this situation. But the injured person or a family member must fully understand how to properly apply for these benefits. If an applicant does not meet and comply with the relevant federal requirements, the Social Security Administration might deny them SSD benefits for an injury.
Brain injury can have a major impact on a person’s life, and it can permanently alter their ability to earn a living. People in the Houston area who have suffered a brain injury, or are trying to help a family member with one, should look into the availability of SSD benefits. An experienced Social Security attorney can help people with all aspects of their benefits, including an appeal for a denied claim.
Source: Brain Injury Association of America, “Brain Injury Awareness Month – March 2016,” accessed on March 25, 2016