Postpolio Syndrome  

Sometimes, even though you had polio and recovered, the delayed effects of polio have now caused an obvious impairment.  The Social Security Administration will look at your  ability to move around, ability to walk, difficulty with swallowing, difficulty with breathing or problems with your speech.  Other symptoms can also affect your ability to work such as joint or muscle pain, muscle atrophy, fatigue, and intolerance to cold.  Mental problems may also be related to the delayed effects of polio.  Problems with attention or concentration are possible with this syndrome.  Old medical records showing the original diagnosis of polio should be presented to the Social Security Administration.  It is always helpful to present a report by your neurologist stating that you currently are suffering from postpolio symptoms.