Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits are a lifeline for people who develop some kind of disability that keeps them from working – but are all disabilities treated equally?
An invisible disability is one where the sufferer has a physical, mental or cognitive impairment that is not immediately apparent to others. Invisible disabilities include things like mental health disorders, autoimmune diseases and neurological problems.
Many people with invisible disabilities encounter skepticism about their condition from others, and they worry that they’ll be treated the same way by the Social Security Administration (SSA) when they file their claim. This is especially true of people who have symptoms that wax and wane unpredictably.
All disabilities are real disabilities
SSA recognizes the fact that not all disabilities are immediately apparent. When they evaluate the validity of a disability claim, they don’t just look at what can be easily observed. Instead, claims examiners will look at things like:
- Medical records: Many invisible disabilities are visible with the right medical tests. Your medical records play a big part in any SSD claim, so it’s always important to make sure that your provider notes the symptoms you are having at every visit.
- Treatment histories: Nobody wants to be sick all the time. Even if your disability isn’t something that’s easily documented through lab tests, the fact that you have sought repeated medical assistance for a condition is a testament to its severity.
- Daily functioning: A big part of your disability evaluation may be an assessment of how your condition has come to limit your daily activities. Fatigue, pain, cognitive difficulties and emotional upsets can all affect your ability to work.
Don’t let the fact that your disability is “hidden” prevent you from filing for Social Security Disability benefits. You don’t need to be in a wheelchair or confined to a bed to qualify, and a little legal guidance can help you avoid mistakes that might lead to an erroneous denial.