i 3 Table Of Contents

Can I Receive SSD for Lyme Disease?

It is possible to receive Social Security disability (SSD) for Lyme disease. However, it’s not a given that a person suffering from the disease will qualify for disability. Pursuing disability for Lyme disease can be challenging for a few reasons.

First, Lyme disease is typically treatable. That’s good news for a person who has been infected, but it also means that many people with the disease won’t meet the requirement that the disabling condition last or be expected to last for at least 12 months.

The second hurdle is that this disease is not listed in the Social Security Blue Book. While a Blue Book listing isn’t necessary to qualify for disability benefits, the SSA lays out clear criteria for each listed condition. When a condition isn’t listed, a more complicated process is applied.

An experienced disability benefits advocate can be your best resource for understanding what’s required to establish a claim for disability for this disease. The information below provides an overview of the disease and the requirements to qualify for SSD.

What is Lyme Disease?

“Lyme disease” is used to refer to two different conditions: Lyme disease and chronic Lyme disease. Both originate in the same way, usually from an infected tick. The initial infection generally starts with a rash, and may involve fever, headache and fatigue. People infected with this disease who are promptly treated with antibiotics typically make a full recovery.

This disease can be dangerous if left untreated, with the infection potentially advancing to the joints and heart. Though the condition is typically still treatable at later stages, the patient may not fully recover from the damage done by the infection.

Chronic Lyme Disease

Some people who have contracted Lyme disease and been properly treated with antibiotics still experience long-term symptoms. Symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness, body aches, sleep problems, memory problems, depression and anxiety.

Disability for the Disease

Someone who has long-term or chronic symptoms of Lyme disease may qualify for SSD. With no Blue Book listing, the SSA will have to assess the applicant’s residual functional capacity–the amount of work a person can still do even with their medical limitations. Then, the SSA will use grids with factors such as your age, past work experience, and educational level to determine whether there is still work you can do.

The diagnosis can also be sticky, since long-term effects of the disease often occur because a person wasn’t properly diagnosed at the time they were infected. Later, they may or may not still test positive for the disease.

An experienced SSD advocate can help you put together the strongest possible application for disability for Lyme disease, and help ensure that you provide the medical documentation the SSA will be looking for. To learn more, call Disability Help Group at 800-800-3332 or fill out our contact form here.