Individuals who suffer from chronic mycobacterial and mycotic infections experience a significant impact on their quality of life and their ability to manage ordinary, everyday tasks. For many of these individuals, handling the responsibilities of full-time employment is nearly impossible. In these cases, Social Security Disability benefits may be able to help.
Mycobacterial, Mycotic, and Other Chronic Persistent Infections of the Lung Condition and Symptoms
Mycobacterial infections are infections that are caused by any species of mycobacterium, except for tuberculosis. These bacteria can cause a wide range of infections such as osteomyelitis, abscesses, septic arthritis, infection of the lungs, lymph nodes, skin and gastrointestinal tract. Mycotic infections are very similar to mycobacterial infections, except mycotic infections are caused by fungus rather than bacteria. When left untreated, mycotic infections can cause significant harm to the respiratory system and other areas of the body.
Individuals who suffer from these illnesses experience varying degrees of symptoms, depending on the severity of their condition. Many will suffer from chest pain and shortness of breath. Other individuals will suffer from chronic fevers and respiratory infections. In severe cases, these infections can actually affect the bones, leading to septic arthritis.
When an individual is suffering from severe mycobacterial, mycotic and other chronic persistent infections of the lung; it can be impossible to maintain full-time employment. Dealing with day-to-day activities can be hard enough, let alone maintaining the responsibilities of a full-time job. In these cases, it is advisable for the disabled individual to apply for Social Security Disability benefits.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Mycobacterial, Mycotic, and Other Chronic Persistent Infections of the Lung
In order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits due to mycobacterial, mycotic or other chronic persistent infections of the lung, you will need to prove to the Social Security Administration that your disabling condition completely prevents you from performing any work activity and that your disability is expected to last at least twelve months or longer. In order to do this, your doctor will need to keep detailed records of your medical history, infection outbreaks and treatment histories. These records will play a vital role in your claim for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration.
In addition to your medical records, the answers that you provide on your residual functional capacity form will also play a role in whether or not you are approved for Social Security Disability benefits. When filing out your disability claim forms, make sure that you answer all of the questions thoroughly. One-word answers or vague explanations will likely result in a denial of your Social Security Disability benefits.
If your initial claim for Social Security Disability benefits is denied by the Social Security Administration, do not be discouraged. Nearly 70 percent of initial claims are denied by the SSA, resulting in the need for a disability appeal. Because it can be hard to prove that a chronic lung infection results in a complete and total disability, you will likely need to pursue the disability appeal process when filing a claim for Social Security Disability Insurance.
Mycobacterial, Mycotic, and Other Chronic Persistent Infections of the Lung and Your Social Security Disability Case
If your claim for Social Security Disability benefits based on a diagnosis of mycobacterial, mycotic and other chronic persistent infections of the lung is denied by the Social Security Administration, you will need to file an appeal with the SSA. The appeal process will likely include a disability hearing before an administrative law judge.
If you do need to pursue the Social Security Disability appeal process, it is in your best interests to retain the services of a qualified Social Security Disability lawyer. These professionals can help you understand why your initial disability claim was denied and will gather the medical evidence necessary to support your claim for Social Security Disability benefits. Your attorney or advocate will also represent you at your disability hearing and may call in expert witnesses to testify on your behalf.
The good news is that nearly two-thirds of appeals are won at the hearing stage of a Social Security Disability appeal process. Statistics show that your chances of winning your appeal are significantly increased with proper representation.
To learn more about filing for Social Security Disability benefits due to a diagnosis of mycobacterial, mycotic or other chronic persistent infections of the lung or to learn more about working with a Social Security Disability attorney or advocate, fill out the form for a free evaluation of your SSD case.
