If you’re suffering from a disability, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. However, before applying, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the Social Security disability conditions covered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Some of the most common conditions include diabetes, heart failure, asthma, musculoskeletal disorders, and also more rare diseases, which can vary.
The dedicated team at Second Chance Lawyer has compiled valuable insights for you regarding which rare diseases meet the criteria for Social Security disability and how you can seek support for your disability claim.
What Exactly is a Rare Disease?
Commonly referred to as an “orphan disease,” rare diseases affect only a very small percentage of the population. Such diseases are often genetic and can range from milder conditions to severe disabilities and include muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s disease, and more. Rare diseases affect everyone differently and can boast a wide range of symptoms that will affect the daily lives of those suffering from them. However, others may be able to lead relatively normal lives with their disease having very little impact on their daily routines.
Is My Rare Disease Covered Under Social Security Disability Insurance?
The SSA uses a five-step process to determine if you meet the criteria of Social Security disability conditions that make you eligible for coverage.
- Those who are working at or above the SSA’s Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level will need to refer to the proper SGA level for the year they’re applying for here.
- You’ll need to determine whether the rare disease that you have plays a largely negative impact on your ability to work as you normally would. This includes activities like standing, sitting, lifting, carrying, and simple cognitive reasoning.
- To determine if your impairments qualify you for Social Security disability benefits, you can refer to the SSA’s Blue Book, a list of impairments that the agency recognizes as debilitating enough to receive benefits. As mentioned above, there are a variety of rare diseases included. In addition to cystic fibrosis and Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, nephrotic syndrome, and chronic myelogenous leukemia are also rare diseases listed in the book. However, it’s important to note that there are thousands of rare diseases and not all of them are included, but this doesn’t mean you won’t qualify for benefits.
- If your rare disease isn’t listed in the SSA’s Blue Book, you’ll need to consider whether or not you can do any work that you’ve done in the past despite the complications from your disease.
- Lastly, determine if you’re able to perform any other type of work based on your prior work experience, mental and physical capacities, age, and education.
Filing a Disability Claim for a Rare Disease
If you believe your rare disease helps you qualify for Social Security disability benefits, then working with a professional Social Security disability lawyer is often beneficial due to the complexity of the process. For more information on how to file a claim or appeal a denial, contact Merryl Jones – the Second Chance Lawyer, today.
