Hyperparathyroidism can be a painful and debilitating condition to live with. Individuals who suffer from this disorder often have a difficult time managing the simple tasks of day-to-day life, let alone the responsibilities required for full-time employment. Because of this, many of the people who suffer from this condition are unable to earn an income and must rely on Social Security Disability benefits to make ends meet. If you are suffering from hyperparathyroidism and need disability benefits to offset the financial burden caused by your condition, the following information will help you understand the disability claim process and how you can increase your chances of an approval of your disability benefits.
Hyperparathyroidism Condition and Symptoms
Hyperparathyroidism is a disabling condition that results in the excess production of the parathyroid hormone. This hormone is produced by the parathyroid glands and it controls the calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus levels in the body's bones and blood.
When the parathyroid is acting normally, it increases the production of the parathyroid hormone if the body's calcium levels are too low. This allows the body to take calcium from the bones. The calcium is then reabsorbed by the kidneys and intestines. Once the calcium levels in the body have returned to normal, the parathyroid slows the production of the parathyroid hormone.
When an individual suffers from hyperparathyroidism, the parathyroid produces too much of the hormone. This raises the calcium levels in the blood to higher than normal limits. This may be due to the fact that the hyperthyroid is too large or the body is not absorbing enough calcium from the intestines. When the cause of the hyperparathyroidism is determined, the underlying condition can be addressed and the calcium levels in the body can return to normal. However, the underlying cause for this condition can not always be detected and when the cause is known, the condition does not always respond to treatment.
Common symptoms of hyperparathyroidism include back pain, cataract development, pain in the bones, depression, fatigue, a decrease in height, increased urination, itchy skin, joint pain, frequent bone fractures, nausea, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, personality changes, upper abdominal pain and, in severe cases, stupor or coma.
If you are suffering from hyperparathyroidism and your condition affects your ability to work, you should apply for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income as soon as you are unable to maintain gainful work activity.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Hyperparathyroidism
Many of the individuals who suffer from hyperparathyroidism are unable to maintain full-time employment due to the symptoms that the condition causes. Fortunately, these individuals may be able to qualify for disability benefits under Section 9.00 of the Social Security Administration's Blue Book of Medical Listings.
While Section 9.00 of the medical listings does not specifically name hyperparathyroidism as a qualifying disability, it does address disorders of the parathyroid, which this condition would fall within. According to this section of the SSA's Medical Listings, in order to qualify for disability benefits due to a case of hyperparathyroidism, you must have abnormally elevated calcium levels in the blood that lead to cataracts, kidney failure and recurrent abnormally low blood calcium levels that cause an increased excitability of the nerves and muscles.
When filling out your disability claim forms, be sure that you provide sufficient medical evidence to prove that your condition meets these established guidelines. If you can prove through medical documentation that you meet the published guidelines of the SSA's Medical Listing, you may qualify for disability benefits during the initial stage of the application process.
If your specific case of hyperparathyroidism does not qualify you for disability benefits under Section 9.00 of the Medical Listings, you may still be able to qualify for disability benefits. However, you will have to prove to the SSA that you are unable to perform any type of work activity at all due to your condition. This means answering the questions on the residual functional capacity forms with detailed answers and providing as much medical evidence as you can to support your disability case. While your initial claim for benefits may be denied because you do not meet the specific published criteria, you may still be able to obtain Social Security Disability benefits through the pursuit of a disability appeal.
Hyperparathyroidism and Your Social Security Disability Case
If you are suffering from a case of hyperparathyroidism that meets the guidelines that have been established by the SSA, you may be able to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits during the initial stage of the application process. However, if there is doubt as to whether or not your condition qualifies under the guidelines or whether or not you are able to perform work activity, you will be denied SSD benefits and will have to go through the disability appeal process in order to obtain the Social Security Disability payments you may be entitled to.
If you do need to appeal the SSA's decision to deny your Social Security Disability benefits, it is crucial that you consult with a qualified Social Security Disability advocate or attorney. These professionals will understand why your initial claim for benefits was not approved and how you can strengthen your case for benefits from the Social Security Administration. Your advocate or attorney can also represent you at your disability hearing, increasing your chances of a favorable hearing outcome.
To learn more about filing for disability benefits with a diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism or to learn more about working with a Social Security Disability lawyer, simply fill out the form for a free evaluation of your SSD case.
