Social Security disability benefits may be available to you if you have a severe medical condition that prevents your ability to work. There are a number of conditions that automatically qualify for SSDI, but others might require you to file an appeal with the SSA or get help from a Social Security disability attorney.
Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Disorders
There are many conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, muscles and ligaments. These diseases often cause pain and limited movement, leading to disability.
The musculoskeletal systems is vital for everyday functions like sitting straight and moving. But when it’s not working properly, people can have a range of symptoms, including back pain, neck pain and muscle soreness.
Your bones are connected to your body by thousands of muscles. When you have arthritis, these structures can become damaged or stretched. Due to arthritis, your bones might change shape or even lose a bone.
Arthritis refers to a group of conditions that cause inflammation of the lining (synovium), of joints. These disorders can also cause swelling and joint pain.
There are a number of causes for arthritis, and the cause can be controlled through lifestyle changes and medication. Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, can result from injury or aging to the joints. Other conditions include rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
Most forms of arthritis cause pain, swelling, and joint damage. The severity of the symptoms can vary depending on what the condition is, but the majority of them will get worse over time.
Autoimmune diseases are conditions that cause inflammation and arthritic symptoms. This means that your immune system attacks healthy cells, tissues, and organs in your body. These conditions include systemic Lupus Erythematosus (rheumatoid), psoriatic and Sjogren’s syndrome.
These autoimmune disorders often start with insidious systemic and joint symptoms. This can cause low-grade fever, fatigue, and malaise. They can eventually lead a host of social and physical problems, including impaired mobility, decreased quality of life, and reduced work ability.
Inflammatory arthritic conditions can occur in any part of the body but are most common in the hands, wrists and knees. They can be found at any age but are more common among women than men.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should discuss them with your doctor. Your medical history will be reviewed by your doctor and a treatment plan will be recommended. They will ask you questions about your symptoms and any health conditions that could be contributing to them.
Heart Disease
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), heart disease is one of America’s leading causes of death. This condition is not discriminatory, with nearly half of Americans at high risk for developing heart disease. Most people are able to recover and continue living productive, happy lives. However, heart disease can have long-lasting, debilitating effects on those who aren’t.
Social Security may allow you access to disability benefits if your heart condition is preventing you working. When calculating your benefits the SSA will consider heart conditions, provided they are not so severe that you are unable to work for at least 12 consecutive months.
Your doctor will perform a physical exam. They’ll also order a number of tests to see how your heart is functioning. These tests include electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and CT scans.
The heart has four main valves, the aortic and mitral, pulmonary, and the tricuspid. They open and close to allow blood to flow through it. Chest pain, shortness or lack of breath, and chest pain can all be caused by damage to the heart’s valves. If this happens, you should immediately dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance.
Many heart diseases are preventable, and the earlier you receive treatment, the better chance you have of recovery. Your doctor may recommend changes in your diet, exercise, and smoking habits to lower your risk of developing heart disease.
Your blood pressure and cholesterol levels will be checked by a doctor. They may also look for signs of inflammation in your arteries. If you are at high risk of developing heart disease, your doctor may prescribe drugs or blood thinners.
Heart disease symptoms can often appear suddenly as a result of a heart attack, or even cardiac arrest. But if it is caught early, it is much easier to treat. The treatment options include medication, blood thinners, and sometimes surgery for blockages or defects.
Chronic heart failure is a disabling condition that primarily affects the heart’s systolic function, which is when your heart pumps blood through the body. It is the most common type of heart disease. It can be caused due to high blood pressure, weakening heart muscle, heart attacks, or birth defects. Social Security disability benefits may be available to you if you have chronic heart disease and meet the criteria in section 4.02 (blue book).
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD).
Degenerative disc disease (DDD), a common condition, can cause neck and back pain. Usually it affects the lumbar spine, but it can also occur in the cervical or mid-back. This is due to wear and tear on the spinal discs, which can be caused by injury or age.
DDD can be caused by age, but obesity, smoking, and other lifestyle factors can also play a role. DDD can also occur in young people who are active and have jobs or other activities that put a lot on their discs.
X-rays of the spine can show signs of DDD, such as narrowing of the spaces between the vertebral bodies, collapsed discs or bone spurs. These bone spurs may start to form as the spine begins to lose its ability to protect the nerve roots and spinal cord.
When the outer layer of the disc, the anulus fibrosus, breaks down, it can cause severe pain. In more advanced cases, the nucleus pulposus, or soft core of the disc, can leak out and cause a lot of pain when it comes in contact with nearby nerves.
DDD is not curable but there are several non-surgical and surgical options that can be used to manage the symptoms. DDD patients who exercise are often advised to do so because it strengthens the muscles around the affected discs, and improves blood flow.
DDD can also be managed with self-care, medication and physical therapy. If DDD continues its worsening, you may need surgery to repair or herniate damaged discs.
DDD can be treated using a variety of surgical options and non-surgical methods, such as artificial disc replacement and spine fusion. These treatments can improve your quality-of-life and reduce the pain associated with DDD.
For those who have suffered from DDD, the most important thing is to seek help early and find a doctor who understands the condition. Citrus Spine Center can help you determine if DDD causes your pain. We also offer treatment to relieve the symptoms, and prevent the condition getting worse.
Cancer
Cancer can strike anyone. Some people may not be aware they have it until they are diagnosed. The good news is that many types of cancer are qualifying for disability benefits.
Social Security disability claims for a particular type of cancer will require you to prove that your symptoms or treatment are preventing you from working. This will require extensive medical evidence.
Social Security Administration (SSA), will review all of your medical records to determine if you are eligible for SSI and SSDI. It can be difficult, especially if you have a complex diagnosis such as cancer.
A qualified Social Security Disability attorney can help you gather all the documents you need to prove your eligibility for SSA. These documents include a letter from your doctor, detailed medical records and biopsy reports.
You will also need to show that your cancer has progressed beyond its normal course. If your cancer has returned after treatment or radiation, or if it has spread to other areas, you may be eligible for disability benefits under the Blue Book.
If your cancer has advanced to Stage IV or is terminal, you will automatically be eligible under the SSA’s compassionate benefits program for accelerated disability consideration. This will speed up the process. However you will need convincing evidence of your illness such as details of your treatment and any follow-up.
Some types of cancer can cause a wide range physical impairments. These include heart disease, lung disease, cognitive dysfunction and eye problems. However, the SSA cares more about how these symptoms impact your ability and ability to work than about your actual diagnosis.
An experienced lawyer can help you obtain disability benefits if you have been diagnosed as having cancer. A lawyer can help you gather all the documentation necessary to prove your eligibility. They can also assist you in filling out the paperwork correctly and making sure it is filed.