Is COVID-19 a Qualifying Impairment for SSDI?
The daily lives and routines of millions of Americans have been disrupted by COVID-19 and its continuing effects. Although the medical experts in our nation and around the world are continuing to gain knowledge and insight about the disease, we know for certain that the infection affects people differently in every age group and region. The symptoms arising from COVID-19 range from extremely mild to severe or life-threatening.
The question we examine here is whether or not COVID-19 can serve as a legal basis for pursuing and securing disability benefits.
How a COVID-19 infection may qualify you for disability over the long-term
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides two benefits for persons deemed disabled and therefore unable to work as a result of a physical or mental impairment. The first one is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). These benefits are for those who may have worked previously and provided Social Security contributions. The second one is Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and is designed to provide benefits to individuals with little or no income. Qualification for either program requires the submission of proof that the length of your impairment is expected to last at least 12 months.
A COVID-19 diagnosis in itself may not qualify a person for disability benefits eligibility. However, in the more severe cases, this disease exacerbates existing medical issues and turns them into long-term issues that may qualify an individual under severe impairments. For example, some COVID-19 patients develop severely impaired lung function resulting from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This condition can lead to other detrimental conditions affecting organs such as the kidneys, heart, and brain. The symptoms of these conditions can persist even after the infection has left the body. COVID-19 may also exacerbate other pulmonary diseases such as COPD, asthma, pulmonary hypertension, and sarcoidosis.
Since infection can trigger inflammation in the body, COVID-19 can result in the development of clots and plaque instability, potentially causing stroke-like symptoms with blood flow to the brain restricted. In others, the inflammation affected the lining of their hearts, which can lead to cardiac disease.
In some cases, patients with coronavirus have suffered peripheral artery disease (PAD), leading to the amputation of their limbs.
Getting approved for disability benefits
The SSA has a “Blue Book” which contains qualifying conditions for disability benefits. The problem is that COVID-19 is a new medical condition, and as of yet there are no impairment listings for the virus that would automatically qualify one for disability payments.
One way to qualify for SSDI benefits is when a health condition arising from an infection, such as ARDS or stroke, matches with another listing. Lab findings or special tests must verify that your condition aligns with another impairment listing.
Another way to qualify is to demonstrate how your condition limits your ability to work. You must show that your symptoms stop you from maintaining full-time competitive employment for at least 12 months, based on your work experience, education, and age.
Whether you have one or multiple impairments that have been aggravated by COVID-19, you should mention all of those in your application. When considering your application, the SSA must consider your impairments.
At Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A., our Maryland Social Security Disability attorneys routinely handle cases for individuals who are facing disabling and chronic conditions that leave them in great need. If this is you or a loved one, we can help you apply for your disability benefits or file an appeal if your initial application was denied. To request a free consultation give our Maryland Disability attorneys a call today at 410.730.7737, or drop our team a message through contact form.
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Joshua Plaxen graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2008 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, and graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 2012 magna cum laude. He was also inducted into the Heuisler Honor Society for finishing in the top ten percent of his class. During law school, Joshua served on the Executive Board of the University of Baltimore Law Review.