Can I Receive SSD for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy?
A disabled worker can receive Social Security disability (SSD) benefits for any medical condition as long as they have sufficient work credits and are unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to their medical condition. However, establishing that the applicant meets the Social Security Administration (SSA) definition of “disabled” is more straightforward in some situations than others. Proving that you are disabled by reflex sympathetic dystrophy can be challenging for two reasons: the condition isn’t listed in the Social Security Blue Book and there’s no clear, objective test for pain.
Working with an experienced disability benefits advocate from the beginning can help you avoid common mistakes and ensure that you are providing the type of evidence the SSA will be looking for.
What is Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy?
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS) is a painful condition that occurs when the sympathetic nervous system responds abnormally. The condition is also known as complex regional pain syndrome. Common symptoms include:
Burning or aching pain in extremities
Skin sensitivity
Changes in skin, hair, and fingernails
Stiffness and/or muscle spasms
RSDS can be triggered by a heart attack, stroke, surgery, or other trauma to the body.
SSD Eligibility for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome
Though RSDS isn’t specifically listed in the Social Security Blue Book, the Social Security Administration (SSA) does provide guidance on how to evaluate the condition. To establish the presence of the condition, the applicant must show a history of persistent complaints of pain that is out of proportion to other documented causes, along with at least one of the following:
Swelling in the affected area
Changes in skin color, texture, temperature, presence of gooseflesh or other autonomic instability in the affected area
Abnormal hair and/or nail growth
Osteoporosis
Involuntary movements in the affected area
Of course, once the presence of reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome is established, the applicant must still demonstrate that the condition prevents them from engaging in substantial gainful activity. That can be a challenge, since pain is subjective and information about it relies in large part on reports from the applicant.
An experienced disability benefits advocate can explain what types of evidence are most effective in establishing a claim for a condition like RSDS that does not have clear objective measures of impairment. To learn more, call Disability Help Group today at 800-800-3332 or fill out our contact form here.
Like most medical injuries and conditions, amputations may or may not qualify a worker for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits. The determination will hinge on:
Whether the applicant has collected sufficient work credits, including sufficient recent work credits, and
Whether the applicant is considered disabled under the Social Security Administration (SSA) definition
The number of work credits and recent work credits required depends on the age at which the disability began.
When Does Amputation Meet the SSA Definition of Disability?
There are two ways to meet the SSA standard for disability. The first is to meet or equal a listing in the Social Security Blue Book. Amputations are covered by section 1.20 of the Blue Book. A person may be deemed disabled due to amputations in any of the following four situations:
Amputation of both upper extremities at or above the wrist, OR
Hemi-pelvectomy or hip disarticulation, OR
Amputation of one upper extremity at or above the wrist AND amputation of one lower extremity at or above the ankle, but only if one of the following applies:
Need for a walker, bilateral canes, bilateral crutches, or a wheeled or seated mobility device involving the use of both hands, OR
Need for a one-handed, hand-held assistive device requiring the use of the other upper extremity or a wheeled and seated mobility device involving the use of one hand, OR
Inability to use the remaining upper extremity to perform work involving fine and gross motor movements, OR
Amputation of one or both lower extremities at or above the ankle with complications of the residual limb lasting at least 12 months AND
Inability to use prosthetics, AND
Need for a walker, bilateral canes, bilateral crutches, or a wheeled or seated mobility device involving the use of both hands
The second way to qualify is to show that you are unable to engage in substantial gainful activity through a grid evaluation that takes into account your age, work experience, and educational level. For example, if your ability to do physical labor is limited, you will be more likely to be considered disabled if you are older and you don’t have skills from past work experience that are transferable to lighter work. On the other hand, if you’re younger and have education or skilled work experience that could be transferred to roles you are physically able to perform, you will probably not be considered disabled.
Submit the Strongest SSD Application Possible
Unfortunately, most SSD applications are initially denied. Working with an experienced SSD benefits advocate, whether you’re filing a claim based on amputations or other disabilities, can help ensure that you submit the strongest application possible. If you’ve already been denied, we can help with that, too–but time is limited, so contact us right away. Call 800-800-3332 or fill out our contact form here.
Many people experience symptoms of anxiety and depression. Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease. Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.
You may qualify for SSDI disability benefits for depression or anxiety disorders. However, you must show that your symptoms interfere with your ability to work. You must also show that you can’t work due to anxiety and depression.
Depressive Disorders
Depression is a very common medical condition listed on Social Security disability applications.
Depressive disorders can cause:
Fatigue,
Decreased energy levels,
Decreased motivation and loss of interest.
Depression and Social Security’s Listings of Medical Impairments
Social Security has a listing of impairments, known as the “Blue Book.” Under the Blue Book, you may qualify for disability benefits if you meet specific conditions. Social Security evaluates depressive disorders under listing 12.04. Additionally, the listings include a list of symptoms. It also includes a list of functional problems. You must show that your symptoms meet these conditions to qualify for disability benefits for depression. First, you must show at least five symptoms of depression to prove that you can’t work due to anxiety and depression.
Symptoms of depression can include:
Depressed mood, loss of interest, appetite, or sleep disturbances
Observable psychomotor agitation or retardation or decreased energy
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Difficulty concentrating or thinking
Thoughts of death or suicide
Second, in addition to having at least three of the above symptoms, you must also prove that your symptoms cause a significant problem in your functioning. Generally, you must have an extreme limitation in at least one area or a marked limitation in at least two areas. These areas of functioning include:
Depression: Four areas of functioning
You must also prove that your symptoms cause a severe problem in your functioning. Generally, you must have an extreme limitation in at least one area. Alternatively, you can have a marked limitation in at least two areas.
These areas of functioning include:
Understanding, remembering, or applying information (understanding instructions, learning new tasks, applying new knowledge to tasks, and using judgment in decisions)
Interacting with others (the ability to use socially appropriate behaviors)
Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace in performing tasks (staying focused and completing tasks)
Adapting or managing oneself (the ability to perform daily activities such as paying bills, cooking, shopping, dressing, and keeping good hygiene)
Depression and the “C” criteria
Alternatively, you may also meet the listing another way.
Under the 12.04C, you can show your depressive disorder has been:
Serious and ongoing for at least two years, and
You need a very structured environment, such as an intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization program, or
You cannot handle changes in your routine or environment
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders have many symptoms. They include overwhelming feelings of panic and fear. Additionally, symptoms include constant worry, irritability, insomnia, tiredness, difficulty focusing and constantly looking for threats. Anxiety symptoms can also cause physical symptoms. As a result, your anxiety may cause rapid heart rate, sweating, shaking, nausea, muscle tension, or difficulty breathing.
Social Security looks at anxiety disorders under listing 12.06. In order to qualify for disability benefits, you must have medical documentation that shows three or more anxiety symptoms.
Symptoms of Anxiety can be:
Restlessness, easily fatigued, or difficulty concentrating
Irritability, muscle tension, or problems sleeping
Anxiety: Four Areas Of Functioning
Additionally, you must also prove that your symptoms cause a severe problem in your functioning. They are the same areas of functioning that are evaluated for depression and include:
Understanding, remembering, or applying information (understanding instructions, learning new tasks, applying new knowledge to tasks, and using judgment in decisions)
Interacting with others (the ability to use socially appropriate behaviors)
Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace in performing tasks (staying focused and completing tasks)
Adapting or managing oneself (the ability to perform daily activities such as paying bills, cooking, shopping, dressing, and keeping good hygiene)
Anxiety and The “C” Criteria
On the other hand, you may also meet the criteria under the listing if your anxiety disorder has been:
Required to keep a highly structured setting to reduce your symptoms, such as an intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization program, or
Have minimal capacity to adapt to demands that are not already part of your daily life or changes to your environment
What if My Anxiety or Depression Does Not Meet a Listing?
Your depression or anxiety symptoms may not meet an SSD listing. Fortunately, you may still qualify for Social Security disability benefits. In this case, Social Security will consider your residual functional capacity (RFC). Your RFC is what you can do even with your medical impairments. Particularly, Social Security looks at how your depression or anxiety symptoms impact your ability to work.
Specifically, they consider your ability to:
Carry out simple instructions
Make simple work-related decisions
Respond appropriately to supervision and co-workers and
Handle changes in a routine
Show up to work consistently, arrive on time, or leave early
What You Need For Your SSD Claim If You Can’t Work Due To Depression and Anxiety
It can be difficult to win disability benefits for depression or anxiety alone. However, the right documentation can support your claim. Therefore, you must see your doctor regularly. Tell them about all of the symptoms you have on a daily basis. Also, your disability advocate can explain the evidence you will need to prove you can’t work due to anxiety and depression.
Getting the Right Treatment for Depression and Anxiety
Social Security also looks at what kind of doctor is treating your anxiety and depression. As a rule, it is best to receive treatment from a mental health professional. Typically, these include a psychiatrist or psychologist. You may need to see a specialist to help prove that you can’t work due to anxiety and depression.
RFC Forms If You Can’t Work Due to Anxiety and Depression
If you can’t Work Due to Anxiety and Depression your doctor may also complete a residual functional capacity (RFC) form. An RFC form helps explain how your symptoms are impacting your functioning. Even if you think your medical evidence is strong, an RFC can help clearly explain how severe your symptoms are. Furthermore, it also helps to have your doctor’s opinion in the record. Your disability advocate can provide you with these forms.
Depression, Anxiety, and Physical Impairments
Social Security follows specific rules when making a decision. They look at your age, education, and work background. These medical-vocational guidelines are even more favorable when you have a physical condition in addition to depression or anxiety. These are also known as the Grid Rules. The rules make it easier to get your disability benefits the older you are.
Example 1: Applying the Grid Rules If You Can’t Work Due to Anxiety and Depression
51 years old and worked as a cashier. You have filed for disability due to osteoarthritis of your knees and anxiety. Your osteoarthritis prevents you from standing for long periods. Your anxiety symptoms make it hard for you to concentrate and be around crowds of people. If Social Security found that you could do a seated job that only required simple, routine tasks, you would qualify for benefits under the grid rules.
Example 2: Applying the Grid Rules if You Can’t Work Due to Anxiety and Depression
58 years old and worked previously as a medical receptionist for many years. You have filed for disability due to bulging discs in your back, depression, and anxiety. Your bulging discs would prevent you from performing physically demanding work and your depression and anxiety symptoms prevent you from doing the complex tasks of your previous job. In this case, the grid rules would allow Social Security to award you disability benefits even if you could do other work.
If you can’t Work Due to Anxiety and Depression or any other disability call Disability Help Group now to start your claim or appeal your denial. Feel free to call us at (800) 800-3332 or contact us here for a free consultation.
Related Articles to Can’t Work Due to Anxiety and Depression
To qualify for Social Security disability benefits (SSD) for carpal tunnel syndrome or any other condition, the applicant must meet certain criteria. These include:
Having accrued sufficient work credits and recent work credits to be eligible for SSD benefits, and
Meeting the Social Security Administration (SSA) definition of “disabled” due to a medical condition or combination of medical conditions, and
That disability has lasted or is expected to be terminal or last for at least 12 months
Here’s what you need to know about establishing that you are disabled by carpal tunnel syndrome.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a medical condition that occurs when there is pressure on the median nerve, which passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Symptoms may include pain in the hand, wrist, or fingers, numbness and tingling, weakness in the hand, and sometimes pain and/or numbness traveling up the arm. These symptoms are typically progressive if the condition is untreated, meaning that they tend to get worse as the person continues to engage in the activities that put pressure on the nerve.
Most Disability Due to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is Temporary
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated in a variety of ways, including with rest, medication, adjustment of working position or processes, or wrist braces. However, sometimes surgery is required. And, if the condition is left untreated, the damage may become permanent.
For most people, SSD benefits aren’t the first resource for impairment due to carpal tunnel syndrome. In part that’s because most cases of carpal tunnel don’t result in long-term disability. And, carpal tunnel syndrome is often work-related, which means workers’ compensation benefits will typically cover medical care and replacement income during the period of disability. Private or employer-provided short-term disability benefits may also cover a temporary disability due to carpal tunnel.
SSD Benefits For This Syndrome
If carpal tunnel syndrome results in a disability that is expected to be long-term (longer than one year) or permanent, you may qualify for SSD benefits. However, carpal tunnel isn’t specifically listed in the Social Security Blue Book, and the burden will be on you to establish both that your condition prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity and that your condition will last at least 12 months.
Your best starting point is to talk to an experienced disability benefits advocate about your rights and options. You can get started right now by calling 800-800-3332 or filling out our contact form here.
Understanding Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and How Advances in Research Are Providing New Hope
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fast-progressing neurodegenerative disease that leads to muscle weakness and loss of muscle control. As reported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, most ALS cases—about 90-95%—develop without any known risk factors. Only 5-10% of cases are inherited, often due to genetic mutations passed down from parents.
One significant mutation, found in the SOD1 gene, is responsible for around 20% of inherited Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases. This mutation leads to the formation of clumped proteins called trimers, which are toxic to motor neurons, the cells responsible for controlling muscle movement.
Promising Research in ALS Treatment
In a promising breakthrough, scientists at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine have developed a technique to stabilize the mutated SOD1 gene, aiming to prevent these harmful protein clumps. Using advanced computer models, they found that adding phosphate to the SOD1 proteins prevents them from clumping together.
This research, published in the journal Structure, marks an exciting step toward preventing Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in patients with this genetic mutation. Moreover, there’s hope that this approach might also help tackle non-inherited forms of the disease in the future.
Fast-Tracked Disability Benefits for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients
Suppose you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. In that case, you are eligible for expedited Social Security disability benefits through the Compassionate Allowances program. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses this program to prioritize diseases that are progressive and terminal, streamlining the disability approval process to ensure individuals with ALS receive benefits quickly.
While ALS qualifies automatically, patients still need to provide medical evidence to support their diagnosis. The Disability Help Group assists individuals by gathering required documentation and guiding them through the claims process, ensuring they receive the support they need.
Disability Help Group Can Assist You
For more information on how we can assist you with disability benefits, reach out to one of our expert SSD advocates today at 800-800-3332 or click here.
