Loss of Speech

Most of the mechanical loss of speech the Social Security Administration deals with is due to the use of tobacco. In order to qualify, the claimant must show an inability to produce useful speech in any way. In order to be "useful," the claimant's speech must be loud enough, able to be understood and able to carry on an extended communication.

In evaluating loss of speech, the ability to produce speech by any means includes the use of mechanical or electronic devices that improve voice or articulation. Impairments of speech may also be evaluated under the body system for the underlying disorder, such as neurological disorders.

Social Security also defines loss of speech as loss due to any cause, with the inability to produce, by any means, speech that can be heard, understood or maintained.

Many different disorders have the ability to cause a loss of speech or some form of speech disorder. Loss of speech due to the nervous system and mental disorders are reserved in a separate regulation. The loss of speech discussed below is due to some form of mechanical loss.

Organic Loss of Speech

Glossectomy or laryngectomy or cicatricial laryngeal stenosis due to injury or infection results in loss of voice production by normal means.

A Jacoby & Meyers professional can help you at all levels of the administrative process to:

• Assist you with your initial SSI & SSDI application, with filing your request with the Social Security Administration for reconsideration, requesting a hearing before an administrative law judge or filing an appeal with the Appeals Council
• Analyze your case under federal Social Security Disability regulations. Obtain a copy of your file from the Office of Hearings & Appeals to ensure that it reflects all your past medical treatment and that all records and documents contained therein are admissible as evidence
• Ask that any prior SSI & SSDI applications for benefits be reopened
• Protect your right to a fair hearing
• Make any necessary Social Security appeals

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Please contact our SSDI lawyers today to schedule your free initial consultation. Jacoby & Meyers has offices nationwide.