Being Able to Qualify for Disability If You Have a Rare Disease

Applicants who have been diagnosed with a rare disease may be eligible for Social Security Disability as long as certain requirements are met. The diagnosis itself from a medical professional is not enough.

Similar to other disabilities, you must prove that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least a year. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict guidelines for approval.

To learn whether you may have a valid claim for disability benefits, reach out to our Social Security Disability lawyers in Phoenix for help. A consultation with a member of our legal team is complimentary.

Medically Qualifying for a Rare Disease

Medically qualifying for disability benefits means your condition must meet the criteria found in the SSA’s Blue Book. Should your condition not have its own listing in the Blue Book, you may meet criteria for another condition listed in the Blue Book with the same symptoms.

For instance, a rare disease that causes vision problems may not be specifically listed but may be covered under Section 2.02 Loss of Visual Acuity or Section 2.04 Loss of Visual Efficiency. Pseudotumor cerebri is one such condition that happens when the pressure inside the skull increases, which can cause vision loss. This condition would likely meet the medical qualifications to receive disability benefits.

Possible Issues With Qualification

Should your condition still not meet a listing in the Blue Book, you may still be able to qualify for disability benefits. A medical-vocational allowance is often used to help receive an approval for disability. During this process, your medical treatments, symptoms, and any side effects will be taken into consideration.

If you suffer from a rare disease that causes headaches, nausea, blurred vision, fatigue, etc., it is important that all of these symptoms are documented by a medical professional. This includes whether or not you are unable to bend, lift, walk or stand for more than a certain amount of time. Having all of this documentation may help you meet the SSA’s requirements to be awarded disability benefits.

Improve Your Chances of Having a Successful Disability Claim

If you need help filing a claim for disability benefits, it is in your best interest to consult with a licensed disability lawyer at Dayes Law Firm. We have many years of experience handling these types of claims.

Our consultations are completely free and confidential. You are under no obligation to move forward with our firm, but if you do, any upfront fees are waived unless and until you obtain disability benefits.