Thyroid gland disorders can significantly impact one’s life in many ways. Sometimes, those who struggle with this type of medical condition are unable to work and/or provide for themselves.
In these circumstances, an individual may qualify for disability benefits through the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). If you believe you might be eligible, this guide will provide key information about the topic. However, you may want to strongly consider reviewing your case with a lawyer to learn more about your options.
Blue Book Listing for Thyroid Gland Disorder
The SSA’s Blue Book is a resource containing information about the various health conditions that might qualify someone for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits. Disability reviewers use the Blue Book to determine if an applicant is eligible for SSD. As such, someone considering applying for disability benefits might also refer to the Blue Book for more information about their potential eligibility.
The SSA's Blue Book provides a listing for thyroid gland disorders under Section 9.00, Endocrine Disorders. The listing includes a range of thyroid gland disorders, such as Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, and Thyroid Cancer.
Proving Your Thyroid Gland Disorder is Severe Enough for SSD
To meet the requirements of the Blue Book’s thyroid gland disorder listing, an individual must have a medically determinable thyroid gland disorder that results in one of the following:
- A persistent disturbance of motor function, muscle strength, or muscle tone resulting in sustained disturbance of dexterous and gross movements, or gait and station (9.02);
- A persistent alteration in bowel or bladder function (9.03);
- An ongoing disorganization of motor function in two extremities causing a significant limitation in one’s ability to stand up from a seated position, maintain balance while standing or walking, or use the upper extremities (9.04);
- Visual impairment (9.08);
- A persistent alteration in speech and language (9.09); or
- A persistent disturbance of consciousness (9.11)
The SSA may also consider the functional limitations caused by an individual's thyroid gland disorder in determining their ability to perform Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). This includes evaluating an individual's ability to perform work-related activities such as sitting, standing, walking, lifting, and carrying.
You will likely need to provide the SSA with certain medical evidence when applying for SSD. For example, you may need to provide a doctor’s note or the results of a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment.
Applying for Disability Benefits
The SSA denies approximately two-thirds of all initial applications for disability benefits. Reasons for doing so include issues ranging from technical problems with applications to insufficient medical evidence.
This is not to say you should expect to struggle when seeking SSD. Although no one can guarantee a particular outcome, with a lawyer’s assistance, you could gather the necessary evidence to strengthen your application and appeal the decision if the SSA rejects your application at first.
Get Help With Your Disability Claim
You do not need to face the SSA alone when seeking disability benefits if you struggle with a thyroid gland disorder. While you focus on your health, an attorney handling disability cases involving thyroid gland disorder patients can pursue the benefits for which you may be eligible. For more information, schedule a Free Case Evaluation today by completing the form on this page.
