What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by a deer tick. Any individual bitten by a tick carrying this disease can contract it, and symptoms range in presentation and severity.
If caught early, Lyme disease may be effectively treated with antibiotics. However, many individuals don’t realize they have contracted this disease, so they don’t receive timely treatment. Left untreated, symptoms of Lyme disease can progress and cause physical and cognitive complications that interfere with your daily functioning.
If you're unable to work full-time for at least 12 months due to the symptoms, complications, or treatment of Lyme disease, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you live in the United States, MCV Law can help you build a strong case and guide you through every step of the application process.
Lyme Disease Complications
Lyme disease can cause a variety of symptoms, such as fever, joint pain, heart palpitations, nerve pain, etc. When left untreated, Lyme disease can cause long-term symptoms and medical conditions can develop, leaving a person disabled. Some individuals even develop long-term symptoms post-treatment. This is called post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, or PTLDS.
Chronic Lyme disease is another term used to refer to the ongoing symptoms of Lyme disease that persist despite treatment. There are several symptoms associated with Lyme disease cases, but those which most commonly lead to extended disability include:
- Cardiovascular conditions
- Chronic joint inflammation/Arthritis
- Neurological symptoms, such as neuropathy
- Cognitive impairments
- Significant Fatigue and weakness
- Bladder problems
- Anxiety and Panic attacks
- Mental Disorders
Can You Get Social Security Disability for Lyme Disease?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) can find you disabled in one of two ways: you have medical evidence showing that you meet the requirements of a listed impairment in Social Security's "Blue Book," or your symptoms limit your abilities so much that you can't do any job.
Before the SSA can find you disabled you will need to show that you have not worked for at least 12 months, or you were unable to work or worked part-time and didn't earn above the substantial gainful activity threshold (about $1,550 per month).
Getting Disability by Meeting or Equaling a Listing
Listed impairments are diseases or disorders that the SSA considers serious enough to be automatically disabling with certain medical evidence. Lyme disease does not have its own Blue Book listing, but you may qualify under another listing related to complications or chronic effects from the disease. Examples of listings include the following:
- Musculoskeletal disorders (Listing 1.00)
- Cardiovascular System Disorders (Listing 4.00)
- Mental Disorders (Listing 12.00)
- Inflammatory Arthritis (Listing 14.09)
Getting Disability by Showing That You Can't Work Full-Time
Even if you don't meet a listing, you may still qualify for benefits through a medical-vocational allowance. You may have so many functional restrictions due to Lyme disease that you can't return to work. Social Security will evaluate your abilities and limitations to decide your residual functional capacity (RFC). Your RFC is a description of what you are still physically and mentally capable of doing in a work setting.
Your Physical RFC
Any physical symptoms that are documented in your medical records should be included in your RFC. This includes restrictions on lifting, carrying, standing, and walking caused by common symptoms such as muscle pain, limb weakness, and joint swelling.
Numbness in the hands and feet can limit your ability to perform fine motor skills like typing, and facial palsy can affect your eyesight. Additionally, sleep difficulties, heart problems, and significant fatigue may make it hard to do even the least strenuous activities at work.
Your Mental RFC
The effects of Lyme disease on your mental abilities can make it difficult to function in the workplace. If the SSA finds evidence in your record of memory loss, inability to focus or concentrate, and difficulty completing tasks, the agency will include these limitations in your RFC as well. Likewise, panic attacks, anxiety, delusions, or delusions or confusion can cause problems interacting with coworkers, responding appropriately to supervision, and maintaining attendance.
How Social Security Uses Your RFC
After Social Security has determined your RFC, they compare your RFC to the duties of your past jobs to see if you can still do those jobs. If not, SSA will consider additional factors such as your age, education, and job skills to determine if you can perform other, less physically and/or mentally demanding work.
Why Hire an SSDI Lawyer
Applying for disability benefits is a difficult process even when you have a condition that is listed in the Blue Book. Most initial disability claims are denied, and usually, it is due to insufficient evidence or incorrect filing.
When you work with MCV Law, our disability lawyers and dedicated staff will help you file your disability claim appropriately. We will ensure all the proper documents are filed and provided to the SSA on time, including substantial medical evidence that supports your disability.