Can I Receive Social Security Disability for Lead Poisoning?

Lead poisoning can lead to several severe medical conditions that can cause long-lasting effects, including developmental delays in children. If the effects of lead poisoning prevent you from being able to work, you or your child may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.

Let our Phoenix Social Security Disability lawyers evaluate your situation during a free consultation. We are prepared to guide you through the application process or help you file an appeal if denied benefits.

Causes and Symptoms of Lead Poisoning

Lead poisoning is caused by a buildup of lead over a prolonged period of time. This condition can be caused by small concentrations of lead. Children are most susceptible to exposure because of their developing bodies. Children may be exposed to lead from paint or other sources of this element found in their toys, outdoor playground equipment or other items they interact with on a regular basis.

Lead poisoning can lead to several developmental problems and medical issues such as:

Anemia
Mental illness

Learning impairments
Brain damage

Many people who suffer from lead poisoning are not aware that they have this condition until lead levels become very high. Symptoms of this condition include the following:

Headaches
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Muscle weakness
Cramping

Fatigue
Loss of coordination
Paralysis
Seizures

Lead Poisoning Conditions that May Qualify for Benefits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains a long list of impairments and medical conditions, which is commonly referred to as the Blue Book. If you have one of these conditions listed and meet the medical criteria, you may qualify for disability benefits.

Although lead poisoning is not specifically listed in the Blue Book, it does often cause diseases or impairments that do meet the listing. Some of these conditions include the following:

Epilepsy
Kidney disease
Paralysis
Neurological disorders

Hearing loss
Gout
Depression
Anxiety

An experienced Social Security Disability lawyer from our firm is ready to help determine if your particular condition qualifies for disability benefits.

Medical Eligibility Required

The medical criteria that you must meet depends on the specific listing that you are trying to qualify under. For example, for a child who has medical retardation that stems from lead poisoning, you would have to provide medical evidence that proves one of the following:

Your child’s IQ score is 59 or lower
Your child’s IQ is between 60 and 70 but your child has additional impairments or medical conditions that significantly limit his or her ability to function
The qualified health care professional is unable to evaluate your child’s IQ because of the severity of his or her incapacity

You will want to provide strong medical evidence that supports your claim and establishes the specified criteria. This evidence could come from a variety of health care professionals, including medical doctors, licensed psychologists and speech language pathologists. Providing detailed reports from these professionals can help show the severity of your condition and your eligibility for benefits.

In addition to medical evidence, you may be asked to undergo a consultative examination to gather more information. The health care professional assigned to your case will evaluate you, summarize your condition and determine the effect lead poisoning has on your ability to function.

Need Help Obtaining Disability Benefits?

Qualifying for Social Security Disability for lead poisoning can be challenging. This is why we recommend that you reach out to our legal team at Dayes Law Firm for assistance.

Our attorneys have many years of experience gathering medical evidence to help support disability claims. We work on contingency – so you pay no upfront fees and only pay us if you obtain benefits.