If you suffer from a hidden disability, you might qualify to receive Social Security disability benefits. An invisible disability is difficult to notice, and it can be devastating to the person suffering from the symptoms.
Some estimates claim as many as 10 percent of Americans suffer from an invisible disability. Although some Americans that live with a hidden disability can manage their symptoms, most cases of invisible disabilities make victims struggle with normal daily activities.
Back to topHow to Get Disability Benefits for an ‘Invisible’ Disability
A hidden disability represents a medical condition that is not easy to detect. However, just because the disability is not seen does not mean it does not deserve consideration by a team of medical examiners at the Social Security Administration (SSA).
To get disability benefits for any type of disability, you have to submit a claim to the SSA. The claim includes a detailed description of your disability, as well as a listing of symptoms. Proving the existence of the symptoms caused by a hidden disability can be difficult to do because many of the symptoms do not provide clear visual evidence. However, filing a claim that includes the submission of convincing medical evidence is the key to getting any type of Social Security disability benefits claim approved by the SSA.
Medical evidence comes in the form of the results of diagnostic tests. Since an invisible disability conceals symptoms, imaging tests such as an MRI can confirm the presence of disabling symptoms. Although it is more difficult to get Social Security for an invisible disability, submitting a description of treatments and physical therapy sessions can persuade a team of medical examiners at the SSA to approve your disability benefits claim.
Back to topWhat ‘Invisible’ Disabilities Quality For Disability Benefits?
The SSA publishes a medical guide called the Blue Book, which lists the medical conditions that qualify applicants for Social Security disability benefits. Under each medical condition listing follows several severity of symptoms standards that you must meet to become eligible for financial assistance. For example, if an applicant suffers from a type of cancer, the applicant must meet the severity of symptoms standards established for the particular form of cancer.
Some ‘invisible’ disabilities that qualify for disability benefits include:
- Arthritis
- Lupus
- Mental Health Conditions
- Stroke
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Heart Disease
- Lung Disease
- Some Cancers
- And More
Tips for Receiving SSD with an Invisible Disability
In addition to submitting compelling medical evidence, you can strengthen your claim by undergoing a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment. Conducted by a medical examiner from the SSA, an RFC assessment puts you through a series of physical and/or mental tests to measure your ability to complete certain tasks. An RFC assessment is an especially helpful tool for applicants that suffer from an invisible disability. You should also continue with your treatment and physical therapy programs.
Back to topGet Help with Your Disability Claim
A disability lawyer may be able to help you file a claim. They can help you determine if you meet a Blue Book listing and may work with you through the application process. Fill out the Free Case Evaluation to get connected with an independent, participant attorney who subscribes to the website.
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