Can You Get SSDI for Tardive Dyskinesia?
TL;DR: Yes. Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a medication-induced movement disorder causing involuntary, repetitive movements of the face, tongue, jaw, and sometimes the limbs and trunk. Because TD is often permanent and can worsen even after the causative medication is stopped, it creates lasting functional limitations. The SSA evaluates TD under the neurological listings, and the condition carries the additional complexity that it was caused by psychiatric medications, meaning you likely have an underlying mental health condition that also affects your ability to work.
TD is caused by long-term use of dopamine-blocking medications, primarily antipsychotics but also some anti-nausea and GI medications. The involuntary movements can be severely embarrassing and functionally limiting. Facial movements can affect speech and eating. Trunk and limb movements can affect balance, coordination, and the ability to perform physical tasks. And because TD is caused by medications taken for another condition, you are dealing with at least two disabling impairments.
SSA Listings for Tardive Dyskinesia
| SSA Listing | Condition | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 11.06 | Parkinsonian syndrome | Involuntary movements causing extreme or marked limitation in physical functioning |
| 11.17 | Neurodegenerative disorders | Motor dysfunction with marked limitation in physical or cognitive functioning |
| 12.03 | Schizophrenia/psychotic disorders | If underlying condition requiring the medication also qualifies |
Medical Evidence the SSA Needs
- Neurologist diagnosis of tardive dyskinesia
- AIMS (Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale) scores documenting severity
- Documentation of the causative medication and duration of use
- Record of medication discontinuation or reduction attempts
- Treatment records for TD itself: VMAT2 inhibitors (valbenazine, deutetrabenazine)
- Documentation of the underlying psychiatric condition
- Video of involuntary movements if available
- Speech and swallowing assessments if orofacial movements are present
Common Denial Reasons
- TD treated with VMAT2 inhibitors. If valbenazine or deutetrabenazine reduces movements, the SSA evaluates you on medication. Document remaining limitations.
- Movements viewed as cosmetic. Mild facial tics may be dismissed as non-disabling. Document functional impacts on speech, eating, and social interaction.
- Underlying mental health condition not included. TD rarely exists in isolation. Your mental health condition should be part of the claim.
Compassionate Allowance
TD does not qualify for Compassionate Allowance.
Function Report Tips
- Describe the specific involuntary movements: which body parts, how often, what triggers worsening
- Explain how movements affect eating, drinking, and speech
- Detail social embarrassment and avoidance behaviors
- Describe the underlying condition that required the medication causing TD
- Note how TD medications affect alertness or other functions
TD claims are strengthened by combining the movement disorder with the underlying condition. ClaimPath builds SSA-compliant disability documents for $79, compared to the 25% attorney contingency.
Related Condition Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Get SSDI for Tardive Dyskinesia??
TL;DR: Yes. Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a medication-induced movement disorder causing involuntary, repetitive movements of the face, tongue, jaw, and sometimes the limbs and trunk. Because TD is often permanent and can worsen even after the causative medication is stopped, it creates lasting functional limitations.
What should I know about compassionate allowance?
TD does not qualify for Compassionate Allowance.
What are the best practices for function report tips?
TD claims are strengthened by combining the movement disorder with the underlying condition. ClaimPath builds SSA-compliant disability documents for $79, compared to the 25% attorney contingency.