Why isn't memory loss classed as a disability

by NEIL
(Wimborne, Dorset, England)

Hello, I'm a 39 year old man. When I was 16 years old I got severe head aches and double vision which I got checked by my GP, he then sent me to hospital for a CT scan of my brain which revealed I had a brain tumour that needed removing instantly!

My initial operation was 13 hours long of which I have had 7 more operations on my brain since for scar tissue removal, a shunt fitted to my brain and taken out and replaced due to blocking. I am angry because it has severely affected my memory causing instant memory loss.

This has affected my work and my family life/whole life. I am angry because I can't work nowhere near as well as I could and with a wife and family I find it hard -near impossible to support my family!

So why is it that my condition isn't classed as a disability when I'm close on being completely useless?

Doug's Reply. I don't know why your memory loss condition is not considered a disability in England. It seems obvious that the effects of your brain surgeries have significantly hurt your ability to function and earn a living.

I'm sorry that I don't have a good answer for your question. But thank you nonetheless for sharing your story. Brain cancer victims around the world who also have suffered the after-effects of a brain tumor and surgery will read it here on this site, and perhaps take a small bit of comfort in knowing that they are not alone, and that others such as yourself are faced with similar challenges.

I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Best regards,
Douglas
Memory-Improvement-Tips.com
This is information only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Home > How to Get a Better Memory > Memory Problems Story > Why isn't memory loss classed as a disability

Comments for Why isn't memory loss classed as a disability

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Mar 10, 2012
Rating

Brain Tumor survivor - Continuous Discrimination
by: Anonymous

I am a 37 yrs old female. I have had 3 neurosurgeries and radiation treatment, and I have memory loss. I cannot remember high school, except a piece here and there, but I can remember lots of childhood events.

I cannot hold a job, my memory loss has affected my college education, my career and of course my everyday life. Most days I spend searching for something I've misplaced. I have to have a routine to remember where things are. I have to take notes of the simplest things.

I applied for Social Security disability. They gave me a simple memory test that was repeated several times until I got the test right. I passed it because I used acronyms to remember the terms, but all of the words started with a different letter so it was easier and determined I was not disabled.

I struggle daily. I was discriminated against with the college program I attended and I am reluctant to tell employers because I was discriminated against. I am not a liar but come across as one because I can't recall things.

It's worse under stress, i.e. a test, or an interview. It's very upsetting when nobody understands or cares, especially when you don't have the money for representation and the government doesn't recognize your condition as a disability. I'm not stupid, just forgetful.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! Return to Share Your Memory Problems Story

Like This Page?

If you found the page above interesting, fun, or useful, please click the "Like" and/or "+1" buttons below. Feel free to leave a comment as well. Thanks very much!