What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection carried by ticks. Any individual who is bitten by a tick carrying this disease can contract it, and symptoms range from fever and chills, to mental impairments and long-term heart conditions. Lyme disease responds to early treatment with antibiotics, however, many individuals do not realize they have contracted this disease and therefore, do not receive timely treatment.
Lyme disease can cause a variety of symptoms, such as fever, joint pain, heart palpitations, nerve pain, etc. When the disease goes untreated, long-term symptoms and medical conditions can develop, leaving a person disabled. Some individuals even develop long-term symptoms post treatment. This is called post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, or PTLDS. Other patients simply do not respond to treatment even if they receive an early diagnosis.
Chronic Lyme disease is another term used to refer to the ongoing symptoms of Lyme disease that persist even after treatment. There are a number of symptoms associated with Lyme disease cases, but those which most commonly lead to extended disability include:
- Cardiovascular conditions
- Chronic joint inflammation/Arthritis
- Neurological symptoms, such as neuropathy
- Cognitive impairments
Even though Lyme disease is not listed in the Blue Book, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claimants who have long-term symptoms can still qualify for disability benefits by applying under a listing with criteria that equates to their symptoms.
For example, claimants may apply under the following Blue Book listings:
- Musculoskeletal System Disorders (Listing 1.00)
- Cardiovascular System Disorders (Listing 4.00)
- Mental Disorders (Listing 12.00)
- Inflammatory Arthritis (Listing 14.09)
Claimants may only qualify for SSDI if their condition(s) is expected to last for at least one year and significantly impairs their ability to work. Claimants must also have put money into the Social Security System prior to the onset of their disability to qualify for long term disability benefits.
Applying for Disability with Lyme Disease & Residual Functional Capacity
It can be difficult to get SSDI for Lyme disease, as this condition is treatable and many patients who contract the disease make a full recovery. However, when a person develops chronic symptoms that leave them disabled and unable to earn a living wage, they may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.
In order to qualify for SSDI, claimants must provide substantial medical evidence that supports their claim. If a claimant does not qualify under any listings in the Blue Book, they can ask for an assessment of their Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). Your RFC determines precisely what physical capabilities you still have despite your disability, and what type of employment you are eligible for with your existing limitations.
If the Social Security Administration (SSA) determines that your symptoms are debilitating enough to prevent you from working a full-time job, inhibiting your ability to take part in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), you may qualify for benefits.
Why Hire an SSDI Lawyer
Applying for disability benefits is a difficult process even when you have a condition that is listed in the Blue Book. Most initial disability claims are denied, and usually it is due to insufficient evidence or incorrect filing.
When you work with Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, our qualified disability lawyers in Chicago will help you file your disability claim appropriately. We will ensure all the proper documents are filed and provided to the SSA on time, including substantial medical evidence that supports your disability.
Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates – Chicago Lyme Disease Disability Leading Lawyers
If you have contracted Lyme disease and are suffering from debilitating symptoms, or you’ve been diagnosed with PTLDS, Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates is here to help you get the benefits you need. As some of the top Lyme disease disability lawyers in Chicago, we know how to navigate Illinois disability laws and the application process to give you the best chances of obtaining SSDI.
Contact our disability attorneys today to schedule a free case evaluation.
