Memo

Alexa Englert

Unit 3 Social Security law

Kaplan University

08/22/2011

To: Anne Phillips

From: Alexa Englert

RE: Mickey McDivett

Date:08/22/2011

It is my opinion that Mickey McDivett may qualify for social security disability per the below listed adult disability listings and review of Appendix 1, Part 404 of Title 20 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Does Mr.McDivett meet the factors necessary to qualify for the listings provided? Answer: Further medical testing would be required.

Part 1:

The first listing for vertigo would be in the Adult listings special senses 2.00. If it isn’t shown to be related to Ménière's disease then I would look at section E.

1. Vertigo associated with disturbances of labyrinthine-vestibular function, including Ménière's disease. These disturbances of balance are characterized by a hallucination of motion or a loss of position sense and a sensation of dizziness which may be constant or may occur in paroxysmal attacks.  Nausea, vomiting, ataxia, and incapacitation are frequently observed, particularly during the acute attack.  It is important to differentiate the report of rotary vertigo from that of "dizziness" which is described as light-headedness, unsteadiness, confusion, or syncope.

2. Ménière's disease is characterized by paroxysmal attacks of vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating hearing loss.  Remissions are unpredictable and irregular, but may be long-lasting; hence, the severity of impairment is best determined after prolonged observation and serial reexaminations.

3. The diagnosis of a vestibular disorder requires a comprehensive neuro-otolaryngologic examination with a detailed description of the vertiginous episodes, including notation of frequency, severity, and duration of the attacks.  Pure tone and speech audiometry with the appropriate special examinations, such as Bekesy audiometry, are necessary.  Vestibular function is accessed by positional and caloric testing, preferably by...