About Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurological disorders that affect body movement, posture, balance, and muscle tone. It is one of the most common movement disorders affecting children worldwide. Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the developing brain during pregnancy, birth, or the first few years of life. While there is currently no cure for cerebral palsy, treatments such as therapy, medication, surgery, and assistive devices may help improve quality of life and daily functioning.

In severe cases, cerebral palsy can significantly interfere with mobility, communication, learning, and the ability to work or perform everyday activities. Individuals with severe limitations may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.

Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

The symptoms and severity of cerebral palsy can vary greatly from person to person. Some individuals may have mild physical limitations, while others may experience severe impairments affecting multiple areas of functioning.

Common symptoms of cerebral palsy may include:

• Coordination problems

• Difficulty with movement

• Difficulty walking or abnormal gait

• Involuntary movements

• Paralysis

• Rigid or floppy limbs

• Muscle spasms

• Seizures

• Speech disorders

• Slow growth

• Stiff muscles

• Stuttering

• Teeth grinding

Symptoms may affect one side of the body, both sides, or specific muscle groups depending on the area of the brain involved.

Social Security Disability and Cerebral Palsy

The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates cerebral palsy claims using the Blue Book, officially known as the Disability Evaluation Under Social Security.

The Blue Book contains two separate sections:

• Part A for adults

• Part B for children under age 18

The requirements for children and adults differ significantly. A child who qualifies for benefits may not automatically continue to qualify once they become an adult because the SSA uses different standards for adult disability evaluations.

Cerebral palsy is evaluated under:

• Listing 111.07 for children

• Listing 11.07 for adults

Childhood Listing 111.07 – Cerebral Palsy

A child with cerebral palsy must satisfy either Requirement A or Requirement B.

Requirement A

The child must have motor dysfunction that meets either Listing 101.02 or Listing 111.06.

Listing 101.02 – Major Joint Dysfunction

This listing involves major joint dysfunction causing:

• Inability to walk effectively
  or

• Significant problems with fine and gross motor movements involving both upper extremities

Listing 111.06 – Motor Function Disorganization

The child must have continuous motor dysfunction affecting at least two extremities, such as the hands or feet, resulting in significant problems with:

• Everyday activities appropriate for the child’s age

• Walking and balance

• Fine and gross motor skills

Requirement B

If the child does not fully meet Requirement A, they may still qualify if they have less severe motor dysfunction along with at least one of the following:

• An IQ score of 70 or below

• A seizure disorder involving at least one serious motor seizure within the past year

• Significant communication problems caused by hearing, speech, or visual impairments

• A severe emotional disorder

Adult Listing 11.07 – Cerebral Palsy

Adults with cerebral palsy may qualify if they have at least one of the following:

Low IQ Score

An IQ score of 70 or less.

Behavioral Limitations

Unusual behavior patterns that significantly interfere with activities of daily living or the ability to maintain employment.

Communication Limitations

Severe communication difficulties caused by hearing, speech, or visual impairments.

Severe Motor Dysfunction

Constant disorganization of motor function affecting at least two extremities, resulting in severe problems with:

• Walking and balance

• Fine motor skills

• Gross motor movements

Medical Evidence for Cerebral Palsy Disability Claims

The SSA requires medical evidence showing the severity of the condition and how it affects daily functioning. Helpful evidence may include:

• Neurological evaluations

• Physical therapy records

• Speech therapy records

• Imaging studies and medical testing

• IQ testing and developmental evaluations

• School records and individualized education plans (IEPs)

• Documentation of seizures or mobility limitations

• Statements from treating physicians and specialists

The SSA evaluates how cerebral palsy affects mobility, communication, cognitive functioning, independence, and the ability to complete work-related or age-appropriate activities.