As the prevalence of ticks in the US expands westward, cases of Lyme disease are increasing in places like Kansas City. This illness, caused by bacteria following a tick bite, can cause disabling symptoms, including loss of mobility, heart damage, cognitive impairments, and inflammatory arthritis.
These conditions can make people unable to work and require assistance. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program designed to provide benefits for those who suffer from a condition that prevents them from working. In Kansas City, you can talk to an experienced lawyer at BurnettDriskill about SSDI for Lyme disease. Call today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
If you are seeking SSDI benefits, two factors impact your eligibility: work credits and qualifying medical conditions. To qualify, most people need 40 work credits, including 20 credits in the past 10 years. Work credits are based on your total wages and self-employment income for the year, and you can earn a maximum of four credits each year.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a Blue Book of disabling medical conditions used to determine a person’s eligibility for SSDI benefits. While Lyme disease is not explicitly listed, several related conditions that can result from Lyme disease, including mobility limitations, inflammatory arthritis, mental disorders, and heart damage, are listed. As part of the application process, you will be required to show evidence of your disorder through medical records, treatment plans, and other documentation.
An experienced disability attorney could provide several services to assist you with your SSDI application, ensuring it is complete, as incomplete applications are a common reason for SSDI denials. They could review your medical documentation to make sure all relevant information is provided and maintain communication with the SSA throughout the process.
If your application has been denied, your lawyer could file an appeal and represent your case through the various layers of the appeals process, addressing each as an opportunity to get approval.
In addition to these services, an attorney could provide insight into the process and answer your questions about your application and benefits. They could also evaluate your unique situation to determine if you are eligible for benefits from other types of disability programs. If you are worried about how to afford the services of a disability lawyer, please note that our legal team will only get paid legal fees for their services if your application is approved, as we work on a contingency basis.
Lyme disease is a serious illness that can leave a person with permanent disabilities that prevent them from earning an income. While SSDI benefits should be available to all individuals who have suffered a disability after paying into the program through taxes, the process of receiving those benefits can be daunting.
Our lawyers have many years of experience in helping people obtain the benefits they need when they are unable to work. Let us evaluate your case for free and tell you more about the application process and the services we could provide to assist you. If Lyme disease symptoms have prevented you from working, contact us today to explore your legal options.