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.
Watch Out for Social Security Disability Scams: How to Protect Yourself
By: Jennifer HC Walker, Senior Disability Advocate
If you’re applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) or have already submitted a claim, it’s important to be aware of scams that may target you during this process. These scams can leave you vulnerable to financial loss and identity theft. In this blog, we’ll walk you through common Social Security scams and how to protect yourself from falling victim.
Social Security Scam Phone Call: What to Do
Imagine: Your phone rings, and the person on the other end claims to be from Social Security. They ask you to verify information which may include your social security number. You may think it’s legitimate, especially if you’re in the middle of your SSD application. But then they tell you something shocking, your Social Security number is about to be suspended, and you’re being charged with serious crimes like drug trafficking or money laundering.
The best thing to do? Hang up the phone, and block the number immediately.
This well-known scam tries to scare you into giving away your personal information or even money. Scammers may contact you by phone, email, or text, pretending to be from Social Security or other government agencies. But here’s the truth:
Your Social Security number cannot be suspended.
Federal authorities do not record your conversations with Social Security.
Social Security cannot arrest you over the phone.
If you receive a call like this, it’s just a scam. Don’t panic, hang up and don’t engage with the caller.
Don’t Be Fooled by Caller ID and Fake Transfers
One trick scammers use is to fake caller IDs. They may show up as “Social Security” on your phone, but it’s not actually them. If you’re ever in doubt, ask for the caller’s name and hang up. Then, call Social Security directly using their official number (1-800-772-1213) or reach out to your local office.
Scammers may also try to transfer you to another person, pretending to be from agencies like the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In reality, they are just passing you off to someone else in their scam operation.
What Social Security Will Never Do
It’s important to remember that Social Security will never ask you for gift cards, cash, or cryptocurrency. Scammers may try to convince you that you owe money and that the only way to pay is through these untraceable methods. If anyone asks you to buy gift cards or send money in this way, it’s a clear sign of a scam.
Neither Social Security, nor any legitimate government agency, will ever pressure you to use these methods to make payments or settle debts.
Report a Scam: What to Do Next
If you think you’ve been targeted by a scam, don’t hesitate to report it. Social Security even has a recorded message warning you about these types of calls. If you receive a scam call, you can report it to the Office of the Inspector General by calling 800-269-0271 or filing a report online at oig.ssa.gov/report.
Remember, you’re not alone in protecting yourself. If you’re unsure about a call or email, always feel free to reach out to an experienced advocate on our team. We’re here to help guide you through any concerns with your SSD claim.
Protect Your Personal Information
The most important thing to remember is: Hanging up never leads to any negative consequences. Social Security will never freeze your bank accounts, suspend your Social Security number, or have you arrested over the phone. Scammers rely on fear and confusion to trick you into giving them your personal information.
When in doubt, hang up and contact Social Security directly or call our team at 800-800-3332. Stay vigilant and protect your hard-earned benefits.
Need Help or Have Questions About Your SSD Claim?
If you ever feel unsure about your Social Security Disability claim or suspect that you’ve encountered a scam, don’t hesitate to contact the advocates at Disability Help Group by clicking here or calling us at 800-800-3332 . Our team is here to help you navigate the process and ensure that your claim is on track.
2025 Updates In Social Security: New Identity Proofing Requirements
Social Security Changes Ahead
Starting April 14, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is introducing changes to help protect your benefits from fraud. They will be increasing security with new identity proofing requirements for some benefit recipients.
What’s Changing?
If you are unable to use your personal my Social Security account for certain services, the SSA will require in-person identity verification. However, this will not apply to those applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, or SSI you can still complete your claim entirely over the phone.
If you’re applying for Retirement, Survivors, or Auxiliary (Spouse or Child) benefits and cannot use your online account, you will need to verify your identity at a Social Security office. However, exceptions will be made for certain situations, such as terminal illness or prisoner pre-release cases.
If you need to update your direct deposit details but cannot use the online system, you’ll have to visit a SSA office in person or schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Need Help With Your SSDI Claim?
We know that navigating Social Security Disability can feel overwhelming. If you have any questions about your benefits, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team at Disability Help Group is here to make the process as smooth as possible for you. Contact us here or call today at (800) 800-3332.
Can I Get SSDI for IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) isn’t listed in the Social Security Blue Book. That means there’s no specific listing of symptoms or test results that qualifies a person with IBS for Social Security disability (SSDI).
That doesn’t mean you can’t get SSDI for IBS. But, the applicant must establish that they meet the Social Security Administration (SSA) definition of “disabled.”
What Does “Disabled” Mean for SSDI?
For the SSA to consider a person disabled, they must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity due to a medical condition or combination of medical conditions. The condition must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months, or be expected to end in death.
What is Substantial Gainful Activity?
Substantial gainful activity is work activity that requires significant mental or physical activity, and that you perform for financial gain. Work you do without pay may still be considered SGA if it is the type of work people usually do for pay.
The SSA will also determine that you are able to engage in SGA if you earn above a certain threshold in a month. For 2025, the cut-offs are $1,620/month for most SSDI applicants and $2,700/month for blind applicants. Note, though, that simply earning below that threshold won’t establish that you’re disabled–you must be unable due to your medical condition.
Proving You Can’t Work Due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Like all SSDI claims, your case will depend largely on medical documentation. You will have to show not only that you have been diagnosed with the condition or conditions, but also the nature and extent of your symptoms and how they impact your ability to manage day-to-day activities.
If you aren’t currently working at a level that disqualifies you, the SSA will next consider whether your medical condition prevents you from doing the type of work you have done in the past. If you can still perform your past work, the SSA will find that you are not disabled.
If you can’t perform work you’ve done in the past, the SSA will move on to determine whether there are other types of work you can do. This is a two-step process. First, the SSA determines your residual functional capacity–the heaviest work you can do in spite of your medical condition.
Next, the SSA looks at a grid that factors in other variables like your age, educational level and skills from past employment.
Get Help with Your SSDI Application for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
As you can see, the process of proving that you are disabled when your condition is not listed in the Social Security Blue Book is complicated. Most SSDI applicants are initially denied, which can mean waiting months or even two years or more to work your way through the appeals process.
At Disability Help Group, we know the SSDI application and appeals processes inside out, and can help you put together the strongest application or appeal possible. To learn more, call 800-800-3332 or fill out our contact form here.
“Lupus” is generally used as a shorthand for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There are other forms of this condition, including three types of lupus of the skin, a type of lupus that is triggered by certain prescription drugs, and a type of lupus that only affects newborns. However, SLE is the most common type of lupus, accounting for about 70% of all cases. And, it’s the only type of lupus that has its own Social Security Blue Book listing.
Symptoms of Lupus
The most common symptoms include fatigue, fever, weight loss, hair loss, skin rash, chest pain when taking a deep breath, sensitivity to sunlight, mouth sores, and swollen lymph nodes. This disease can also have a serious impact on organs and body systems, including:
Kidneys
Heart
Lungs
Nervous system
Digestive tract
Circulation
Blood
While many people live and work successfully with this condition, some symptoms can be debilitating.
Qualifying for SSDI Under the Blue Book Listing
Under the Blue Book listing for SLE, the applicant must either:
Suffer from systemic lupus erythematosus with involvement of two or more organs/systems and:
At least one organ or system is involved at a level of at least moderate severity, AND
Suffers at least two constitutional signs or symptoms (severe fatigue, fever, malaise or involuntary weight loss
OR
Repeated manifestations of SLE with at least two of the constitutional symptoms listed above AND at least one of the following at a marked level:
Limitation of activities of daily living, OR
Limitation in maintaining social functioning, OR
Limitation in the ability to complete tasks in a timely manner due to deficiencies in concentration, persistence or pace
Qualifying for SSDI for Lupus If You Don’t Meet the Blue Book Listing
If you believe you are disabled by SLE but don’t meet the Blue Book criteria, believe you are disabled by another type of lupus, or suffer from this disease along with other conditions that in combination prevent you from earning a living, there is another possible way to qualify.
The alternative process involves assessing your residual functional capacity–how much work you can do in spite of your medical conditions–and then using other factors to determine whether there is still work you can do. That analysis considers factors such as your age, your highest level of education, the types of work you have performed in the past, and what skills may carry over to other types of work.
Get the Help You Need with Your SSDI Claim
Many SSDI applications are denied simply because the applicant didn’t provide sufficient medical information to support a finding of disability. At Disability Help Group, we know exactly what type of information the Social Security Administration (SSA) is looking for and how to put together the strongest application possible.
To learn more about how we can help, call 800-800-3332 or fill out our contact form here.
