Social Security Disability Benefits for “Invisible” Disabilities

According to Disabled World, about 10 percent of Americans suffer from medical conditions that might be considered “invisible” disabilities, and 96 percent of people who have chronic medical conditions live with a condition that is invisible. They are called invisible because they are not always obvious to the people around them, but these disabilities can limit a person’s ability to perform daily activities, with a range of mild challenges to severe limitations that vary from person to person. Having invisible disabilities is also frustrating for those who suffer from them because while it might appear that they should be able to do certain things, often they are unable to.

Effects of an invisible disability

An invisible disability, according to the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA), may present with many kinds of symptoms. Some of the more common include:

• Debilitating pain
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Cognitive dysfunctions
• Brain injuries
• Learning difficulties
• Mental health disorders
• Hearing and vision impairments

Obtaining Social Security Disability benefits for an invisible disability

Qualifying for Social Security Disability for invisible disabilities may be challenging in some cases, but not impossible, because they include some chronic diseases such as Lupus, diabetes, Fibromyalgia and mental illness. According to the World Health Organization, both in the United States and around the world, the leading causes of disability are largely invisible including mental illness and musculoskeletal disorders. Despite how common they are, people still have misconceptions about those who appear to be healthy receiving disability benefits.

Examples of SSA accepted diseases and conditions that can lead to invisible disabilities include:

• Arthritis
• Chronic pain
• Chronic fatigue
• HIV/AIDS
• Mental illness
• Chronic dizziness
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Traumatic brain injury
• Renal failure
• Sleep disorders
• Coeliac disease
• Epilepsy
• Lupus
• Lyme disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Schizophrenia
• Ulcerative Colitis

As with any disabling condition, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if you are expected to be ill with the disease for a year or longer, or if you expect that the disease will cause death. You will require definitive medical documentation of a diagnosis of a disease, and treatment. The other criteria for qualifying for disability benefits is whether or not you are capable of doing any kind of work. If your disability prevents you from doing your current job, but you are able to perform the tasks of another type of work which you have done previously, then you may not qualify for disability benefits depending on your age.

When you work with an experienced Social Security Disability attorney who has helped others file claims for benefits, you greatly improve your chances of getting approved. You will enjoy the benefits of your West Tennessee SSD attorney’s knowledge of the Social Security Administration, and what it takes to file an initial claim as well as an appeal.

If you are suffering from a so-called invisible disability, and you intend to apply for social security disability benefits, Bailey & Greer, PLLC can help. You will work with an experienced SSD lawyer who will review your case and answer your questions. You are welcome to contact our firm if you live in and around Memphis, Jackson or West Tennessee and wish to pursue Social Security Disability benefits.

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