Can I get disability benefits for chronic Lyme?

 

Yes, you can get disability for chronic Lyme disease, but it depends on how severe your symptoms are and if you can prove they prevent you from working full-time. The Social Security Administration (SSA) doesn't have a specific listing for Lyme disease, so you will need to prove your eligibility by showing your symptoms are severe enough to qualify under other categories, such as immune system disorders, neurological disorders, or inflammatory arthritis. 

 

How to build a strong case

• Gather comprehensive medical evidence: 

  This is the most crucial step. 

  • Include detailed medical records from all treating physicians. 

  • Provide results from diagnostic tests, such as the two-tiered blood tests for Lyme antibodies (EIA/IFA and Western Blot). 

  • Get statements from specialists like infectious disease doctors, rheumatologists, or neurologists. 

  • Include copies of all medical, mental health, and adjunct treatment documents. 

• Document your functional limitations: 

  Explain how your symptoms impact your daily life and ability to work. 

  • Physical limitations: Examples include difficulty walking, standing, bending, or using your hands due to joint pain, swelling, or weakness. 

  • Cognitive limitations: Document issues like memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or sleep disturbances. 

  • Mental health limitations: Include any anxiety, depression, or other mood changes. 

• Provide additional evidence: 

  You can also submit other helpful documents. 

  • Photos of physical symptoms.

  • Witness statements from co-workers, friends, or family. 

  • Work performance evaluations that show how your condition has affected your job. 

• Understand the SSA's criteria: 

  The SSA will assess your "residual functional capacity," which is the most work you can do despite your limitations. 

  • Your condition must prevent you from doing your previous job and also similar, less demanding jobs. 

  • The disability must be expected to last for at least 12 months or could lead to death. 

 

Applying for benefits

• You can apply for benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA) website or in person. 

• You may qualify for either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). 

• The application process can be long and detailed, so it is important to be thorough and organized.