Many Americans Suffer From Hidden Disabilities
For many individuals applying for social security disability benefits (SSDI), their issue is obvious. While it may not be an ideal situation, there is a reasonably straightforward path for them medically.
Unfortunately, many people suffer from pain and sickness that is mainly invisible to the naked eye. As many as 10% of the American population has a so-called hidden or invisible disability that they are dealing with. In addition to the difficulty this puts on day-to-day life, it can be challenging for them to receive benefits if these disabilities render it impossible for them to work.
Luckily, the Social Security Administration does recognize invisible disabilities as being eligible for benefits. With the proper assistance, many people with these kinds of disabilities can secure life-changing benefits.
10 Common Invisible Disabilities
- Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a common condition, as it can encompass many different sources of pain and suffering. Chronic pain can be linked to a physical injury that never fully heals or more genetic issues such as arthritis or back problems. While chronic pain itself may not qualify for SSDI benefits, the condition that causes the pain may. Understanding the root cause of your chronic pain can be the difference between getting approved for disability benefits.
- Fibromyalgia
Like chronic pain, fibromyalgia is the topic of much discussion regarding invisible diseases and their source. Fibromyalgia consists of chronic musculoskeletal pain that makes day-to-day life extremely painful for some individuals. Due to this disease’s frequent occurrence and recent findings, fibromyalgia is more likely to be an approved disability now.
- Traumatic Brain Injury
Anyone who has been in an accident that caused severe trauma to the brain may have a traumatic brain injury or TBI. Each head injury symptom can be very different, making this particular injury challenging to predict in terms of disability benefits. If you are unable to work due to a TBI, you may be approved for disability benefits.
- Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Often referred to as ADHD, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder predominantly affects children, but this condition can continue onto adulthood. ADHD is a neuropsychiatric condition that inhibits someone’s ability to focus and pay attention to different scenarios and often causes them to act up. ADHD comes in three different types: hyperactive-impulsive, inattentive, and combined. While no specific test exists to diagnose ADHD, medical professionals are experienced with this disorder. Application for disability benefits will depend on multiple factors related to severity and limitations.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition in which individuals are severely tired at all times. This can significantly affect their day-to-day, as it can be difficult for them to carry out simple activities for others. To qualify for benefits with chronic fatigue syndrome, one must show that their particular situation allows with the SSDI requirements, including the inability to perform job duties.
- Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which the body cannot process glucose due to the lack of insulin that it manufactures. There are ways for individuals to control the condition, but the severity can vary from person to person. Diabetes can also lead to other health conditions that can be debilitating. Some people may not be able to work for an extended period of time due to their diabetes and could therefore qualify for benefits.
- Multiple Sclerosis
While many cases of multiple sclerosis may be manageable to start, they can often get to the point where they render someone unable to work. Due to the different stages that the disease may go through, it can be challenging to get approved for disability benefits with multiple sclerosis. The SSA does have a listing of the illness, meaning that being approved for benefits largely depends on how severe your particular case is.
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a common diagnosis for veterans or anyone who has undergone a situation that caused them severe and damaging mental stress. PTSD is recognized as a disability by the SSA, so someone needs to meet the criteria and can be approved.
- Epilepsy
Recurring seizures due to a brain disorder is diagnoses as epilepsy. This can commonly be the result of cerebral palsy or strokes, but often the cause of epilepsy is unknown. The resulting seizures that come from epilepsy are unpredictable, usually coinciding with the condition qualifying for disability benefits. The SSA will evaluate epilepsy according to type, frequency, duration, and nature of the seizures.
- Chrohn’s Disease
Chrohn’s Disease causes intestinal inflammation that can lead to highly uncomfortable situations such as chronic diarrhea, rectal bleeding, severe weight loss, incontinence, and abdominal pain. Eligibility for social security disability is possible with Crohn’s disease, but it will require going through the evaluation process and parameters set by the SSA like anything else.
If you have a so-called invisible disability and have had problems getting approved for social security disability – or you have been denied, call the experts at Tabak Law. The attorneys at Tabak have a long history of getting people approved for much-needed benefits. Call 800-245-1430 today.