Social Security Disability and “Intellectual Disability”

The Social Security Administration is replacing the label “mental retardation” in Social Security Disability claims with “intellectual disability” as of September 3, 2013. The change “reflects the widespread adoption of the term ‘intellectual disability’ by Congress, government agencies, and public and private organizations” and acknowledges the term “mental retardation” conjures up negative connotations and may be offensive to some people.

The change to the listing only affects the name of the listing and no substantive changes were made to the requirements necessary to probe disability under the listing.  For more information regarding the requirements of the Intellectual Disability listing for Social Security Disability or SSI, please go here.  Meeting this particular listing will require educational records or testing showing the applicant’s IQ.  The Social Security Administration may also send the applicant or claimant for testing.

If you need more information about a Social Security Disability/SSI, personal injury, EEOICPA, long or short-term disability, VA disability, Railroad Retirement Board disability, or a workers compensation matter, please contact the Law Offices of Tony Farmer and John Dreiser for a free case evaluation. We can be reached at (865) 584-1211 or (800) 806-4611 or through our website. Our office handles claims throughout East Tennessee, including Knoxville, Chattanooga, Kingsport, Bristol, Johnson City, Morristown, Maryville, Rogersville, Dandridge, Tazewell, New Tazewell, Jefferson City, Strawberry Plains, Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Loudon, Kingston, Halls, Maynardville, Crossville, Cookeville, Jamestown, Sweetwater, Lenoir City, Athens, Oak Ridge, Clinton, LaFollette, Lake City, Jacksboro, Bean Station, Cosby, Newport, White Pine, Mosheim, Wartburg, Sunbright, Pigeon Forge, and Deer Lodge.