While most bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, Lyme disease does not respond to antibiotics and continually affects a person’s health throughout their life. The bite of the black-legged (deer) tick is the only way someone can become infected with Lyme disease. Initial symptoms of Lyme disease are mild and often mistaken for influenza.

 

 

Second symptoms stage of Lyme disease involves more severe symptoms, such as muscle/joint pain, dizziness, lack of facial muscle control, cognitive problems and even cardiovascular disorders. Years after being infected with Lyme disease, many people suffer severe neurological illnesses that eventually become chronic. In particular, Lyme encephalomyelitis is a disabling condition that impacts nearly all physiological systems. People with late-stage Lyme and Lyme encephalomyelitis disease have difficulty walking, arthritis, incontinence, vertigo, shooting pains in the arms and legs, significant fatigue and mental health problems.

 

How Can Someone Qualify for Lyme Disease Disability Benefits?

 

Since the Social Security Administration does not have a separate listing for Lyme disease in its Blue Book, people seeking SSI or SSDI benefits will need to meet other qualifying conditions under system disorders involving the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, inflammatory arthritis and/or mental system disorders listings. For example, providing medical proof of significant limitations with the ability to use your arms or legs may be a qualifier under Section 1.00–Musculoskeletal System diseases and disorders in the SSA’s Blue Book. Heart damage is under Section 4.00 (Cardiovascular System) and severe anxiety/panic disorder is listed in Section 12.00 (Mental Disorders).

 

What Documentation is Necessary for Proving Disability Due to Lyme Disease?

 

Doctor, hospital, laboratory and imaging reports accumulated over months or years are essential for having a disability benefits claim approved. Applicants will also need clinical and observational records detailing worsening of muscle strength, vitals, reflexes, mental/cognitive abilities and overall health. After evaluating medical records for someone suffering Lyme disease to determine if that person can perform any kind work, including sedentary work, the SSA will approve or deny the claim.

 

Denials for Social Security disability benefits involving applicants with Lyme disease are common simply because the applicant may not include the appropriate documentation. To help ensure you receive SSI or SSDI for Lyme disease, contact London Eligibility today to schedule a consultation appointment.