Is Vertigo a Disability? Everything You Need to Know

Have you ever felt like the world is spinning, even though you’re standing perfectly still? That unsettling sensation is vertigo. While it might seem like a minor inconvenience to some, for others, it can be so debilitating that it affects every aspect of daily life, including the ability to work.

But is vertigo considered a disability? Can you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits because of it?

The short answer is yes, under certain circumstances. If your vertigo is severe enough to stop you from working and disrupts your ability to perform daily tasks, you could be eligible for disability benefits. However, the process is far from straightforward.

This guide will break down everything you need to know about vertigo as a disability. We’ll cover the basics of vertigo, how the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates these cases, the challenges in proving your condition, and why professional legal help can make a big difference.

What Is Vertigo, and What Causes It?

Vertigo is more than just dizziness; it’s a symptom that makes you feel as if you or your surroundings are moving when they’re not. It’s often associated with balance disorders rooted in the inner ear or the brain. While vertigo itself is not a disease, it points to underlying medical conditions.

Common Causes of Vertigo

Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Often triggered by specific head movements, this form of vertigo is caused by dislodged particles in the inner ear.
• Meniere’s Disease: A buildup of fluid in the inner ear, causing not only vertigo but also tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and hearing loss.
• Vestibular Neuritis: A viral infection that inflames the vestibular nerve, disrupting balance.
• Migraines: Migrainous vertigo can occur as part of a migraine episode, featuring sensitivity to light and motion.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Trauma to the head or neck can damage the vestibular system, leading to chronic vertigo.
• Stroke or Cardiovascular Issues: Reduced blood flow to the brain can sometimes cause vertigo.
• Medications like antibiotics, antidepressants, or tranquilizers may also list vertigo as a side effect.

When Does Vertigo Qualify as a Disability?

The Social Security Administration recognizes vertigo under its disability guidelines, but like any condition, it must meet specific criteria. Simply experiencing occasional dizziness isn’t enough to qualify.

SSA’s Criteria for Disability

According to SSA standards, a condition is only considered a disability if it meets these requirements:

• Severity: The condition prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA), in other words, you can’t work and earn an income above a certain threshold.
• Functional Limitations: The condition stops you from doing your previous work or adjusting to other types of work.
• Duration: The condition is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

For vertigo, the SSA evaluates your symptoms under a section called “Disturbance of labyrinthine-vestibular function,” listed in their Blue Book of impairments.

Specific Criteria for Vertigo

To meet the SSA’s definition of disabling vertigo, you must have medical evidence supporting:

• Frequent bouts of vertigo or dizziness, causing severe balance issues.
• Documented hearing loss, potentially tied to inner ear dysfunction.
• Neuro-otological examinations, such as an audiogram or vestibular tests confirming the cause of vertigo (e.g., labyrinthitis or Meniere’s disease).

The Challenges

Claiming disability for vertigo is complicated for two main reasons: subjectivity and variability.

Vertigo Symptoms Are Often Subjective

Unlike conditions that can be measured through scans or blood tests, vertigo relies heavily on self-reported symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and imbalance. Since there are no definitive lab tests for how a person feels, proving the severity of vertigo can be an uphill battle.

For example, two people might both have Meniere’s disease. One person may experience manageable dizziness, while the other struggles to stand or walk without falling. Documentation plays a crucial role in distinguishing these differences.

Many Cases Are Temporary

Another obstacle is the transitory nature of vertigo for some individuals. Episodes may last anywhere from a few seconds to hours or even days, but they often come and go. If your episodes are temporary or spaced far apart, the SSA might argue that you don’t meet their duration requirement.