When you have a chronic illness, you know how debilitating it can be to your daily life. Even if you have some days where you feel somewhat better, they are usually few and far between and make little difference in just how impactful the illness is to you on a day-to-day basis. Unfortunately, the Social Security Administration may not see things the same way, making it difficult for you to receive the benefits you need. While you can get disability benefits due to a chronic illness, it is important that you remember the following key points.
Static Disabilities
When you have a chronic illness, perhaps the biggest obstacle you will face with the SSA is the fact that it won’t initially view your condition as a static disability or one that is permanent and unchanging. Since the SSA definition of disability does not cover all forms of disability, you will need to complete and pass a disability evaluation to qualify for benefits.
What is a Static Disability?
A static disability is one such as blindness, mental retardation, or a learning disability. When the SSA considers a disability application for chronic illness, qualifying for benefits can become much harder. Since you may feel somewhat good on certain days, the SSA may believe you are still able to engage in substantial gainful activity, meaning it believes you would still be capable of holding down a job.
Disability Evaluation
To convince the SSA your chronic illness does qualify you for disability benefits, you would need to begin by checking online websites that have details about social security disability support to learn what is involved in applying for disability, the obstacles you may encounter, and why it is important to hire an attorney who specializes in such cases. In doing so, you and your lawyer can work together to convince the SSA that because your chronic illness makes predicting which days you will feel good or bad almost impossible, you should be awarded disability benefits.
How to Win Your Case
To win your disability case, you will need to undergo an extensive medical evaluation. This will include various tests, x-rays, or other medical tests and procedures deemed necessary to prove your illness is indeed debilitating. In doing so, your chronic illness can be “medically determinable,” meaning a doctor can objectively assess your health and make a reasonable recommendation regarding your disability.
Since it is common for many people suffering from chronic illnesses to be initially denied disability benefits, be prepared to have patience and work with an attorney who will fight hard to prove your case and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
