How do I prove I need Social Security benefits due to my Lyme disease?

It’s possible to receive Social Security Disability benefits for Lyme disease; however, The Social Security Administration (SSA) doesn’t have a specific listening for this medical condition. If you can show that your symptoms match those of another impairment listing, you may be able to receive benefits. However, the SSA doesn’t often give an approval simply because you meet the listing requirements.

How Can I Get Social Security Benefits for Lyme Disease?

If you can show that your Lyme disease symptoms meet the requirements of another medical condition and your symptoms are interfering with your ability to work, you may be able to receive benefits. These other medical conditions include problems with your musculoskeletal or cardiovascular system, mental disorders, or inflammatory arthritis. The SSA will evaluate all of your symptoms using the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) to determine if they prevent you from returning to or being able to work. Some of the determination will be made by assessing:

• The physical impact. People with Lyme disease can experience pain in the back, tendons, joints, and muscles. They may have numbness in the feet and hands; swelling in the joints and knees; and leg weakness that can make it difficult to perform physical activities. Additionally, it may be difficult for them to perform any type of physical labor for a job due to sleep problems, heart issues, and fatigue. If it’s found that you can’t perform a job that requires physical stamina, the SSA will evaluate your ability to do other types of work. People with Lyme disease can experience arthritis and issues with balance that may prevent them from executing certain fine motor skills or physical movements. And the facial weakness associated with Lyme disease can impact eyesight.
   
• The mental impact. If you have Lyme disease, you may find it challenging to function in a normal work environment. If you have memory loss, reduced ability to concentrate, problems comprehending basic information, or problems completing tasks, the SSA will factor these in when assessing your RFC.