The SSA Doesn’t Recognize Long-Term COVID, But It Should

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, many people are finding themselves unable to work or provide for their families due to long-term COVID. A recent news report mentioned that there are over 20 million people in the United States suffering from this condition.

As a result, they are waiting to hear back from the Social Security Administration about receiving disability benefits, but “under the Americans with Disabilities Act, long COVID does not always qualify as a disability.” Therefore, the SSA is either not prioritizing these claims or rejecting them outright because the individual’s condition does not directly qualify as a disability.

The Brookings Institution, a public policy organization in Washington, DC, found that up to 683,000 individuals across the country may have left their jobs due to long-term COVID symptoms. This is increasing the demands of the SSA, which is already understaffed and has a growing backlog of COVID case files.

 What is long-term COVID and what symptoms should I look for?

An individual may have long-term COVID if they were diagnosed with COVID-19 and have several remaining symptoms for weeks or months after the illness. The symptoms can be different for each person, making it difficult to know if you are suffering from this condition. However, some of the most common long-term COVID symptoms you should look for include:

●      Coughing ●      Lung issues ●      Feeling short of breath ●      Pain in the chest and lungs ●      Inflammation around your heart ●      Fast heartbeat ●      Brain fog ●      Sleep problems ●      Feeling numb or tingling ●      Feeling dizzy ●      Headaches ●      Loss of taste or smell ●      Vision issues ●      Ringing in the ears

●      Feeling tired or weak ●      Inability to concentrate or focus ●      Memory problems ●      Anxiety ●      Depression ●      Mood swings ●      Irritability ●      Seizures ●      Diarrhea ●      Stomach pain ●      Muscle and joint pain ●      Fevers ●      Kidney issues ●      Loss of hair ●      Skin issues and rashes

As you can see, there are many long-term COVID symptoms that individuals may experience. Therefore, if you have any of these symptoms long after being diagnosed with COVID-19, it is important that you notify your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

The causes of long-term COVID

Researchers have still not found an answer as to why individuals experience long-term COVID. This widespread issue is currently being investigated to make a determination. While it is believed that healthy people can experience long-term COVID symptoms, many physicians think that underlying issues may play a role for some people. That said, if you visit a doctor, they will most likely look at your medical history and conduct blood tests to see if you have any other health factors that could contribute to long-term COVID.

Can long-term COVID be treated?

Long-term COVID can linger around for several months after being diagnosed with COVID-19. Unfortunately, there is currently no medical treatment plan for these long-lasting symptoms, but, if you speak to a doctor and let them know what is going on, they may be able to prescribe medications that will provide you with some relief.

Should I hire an attorney to help with my long-term COVID disability claim?

Suffering from long-term COVID can temporarily or permanently change a person’s life. That said, it is important that you hire an attorney with the knowledge and experience to help you obtain disability benefits if you’re unable to work as a result of your condition. At Plaxen Adler Muncy, PA, we have successfully represented clients who are unable to return to work and provide for their families. Depending on your symptoms, you may still be eligible for disability because certain other conditions are recognized by the SSA. So don’t give up hope.

While you focus on recovering, our lawyers will gather the appropriate documentation and evidence needed to prove your disability, speak to your family and physicians about your medical condition, and ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed and turned in.

If you or a family member cannot work because of long-term COVID, our attorneys at Plaxen Adler Muncy, PA are here to help you. We have helped many people secure disability benefits, and we are happy to assist you with obtaining these benefits as well. Call our office or submit our contact form today to schedule a free consultation, which you can attend on the telephone or in one of our many Maryland offices for your convenience.