Since May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, this would be a good time to discuss how to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if you are suffering from Lyme disease. While the illness is not unheard of, many people don't really understand just how debilitating it can be and how frustrating it is to live with the effects of the condition. To make matters worse, there is quite a bit of misinformation regarding Lyme disease and people don't fully understand the affect it can have on an individual, their family and a person's ability to provide financially.
It's Not as Rare as You Think
The first thing you need to understand when it comes to Lyme disease is that the illness isn't as rare as many people think. There are approximately 20,000 cases reported each year in America alone, and while many people think Lyme disease is isolated to just a few states, the fact of the matter is that it can and does occur anywhere.
Not All Cases are Easily Cured
Many people are lulled into believing that Lyme disease is not a serious condition. It is not uncommon to hear of people contracting the disease and simply taking prescription medications, returning to full health once the course of treatment has been completed. While it is true that many of the people who contract Lyme disease are quickly cured, this is definitely not the case for every person who is infected with the virus.
Some individuals suffer from chronic Lyme disease. For these people, the symptoms of the condition reappear again and again, leaving them fatigued, in constant pain and completely unable to work. These individuals need Social Security Disability benefits in order to make ends meet.
Lyme Disease and Social Security Disability
The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not have a listing for Lyme disease in its listing of impairments. However, that does not mean that individuals who suffer from chronic or long-term Lyme disease will not be able to win their Social Security Disability claims. If an applicant can prove that their condition completely prevents them from performing any type of substantial gainful activity, they can win their disability case and receive Social Security Disability benefits from the SSA.
With that being said, it is important to understand that applying for Social Security Disability benefits based on a case of Lyme disease may be a hard road to travel. You will need to prepare your application for benefits in the best light possible and will need to gather sufficient medical evidence to support your claim for disability benefits. Chances are that your initial Social Security Disability application will be denied. That is why it is important to contact a qualified Social Security Disability attorney. This professional can help you with the preparation of your disability claim and can, if necessary, represent you during the appeal stage of the claim process.
If you are unable to work due to the effects of Lyme disease and you know that you will not be able to work for a period of at least twelve months, contact a qualified disability attorney and apply for Social Security Disability benefits today. Even though it may be a bit of a challenge, you are entitled to Social Security Disability benefits and they can definitely offset some of the financial stress being caused by your medical condition.
