multiple conditions improve odds of getting benefits

 

It is a common misconception that when applying for Social Security disability benefits your application should only be for one disabling impairment. This is just not true.

If you have more than one medical condition, the Social Security Administration must take into consideration all of your impairments when deciding whether or not you qualify for disability benefits.

For example, let’s say you have a disease like arthritis which causes chronic pain, and another illness that affects your respiratory system like asthma. Or you have carpel tunnel syndrome, as well as panic disorder. While the symptoms of these diseases, on their own, may not prevent you from working, when they act together, they may be disabling.

The number of specific diagnoses or illnesses is less important than how the actual impairments limit your ability to function on a day-to-day basis. Even mild conditions—say, like anxiety around people or occasional incontinence—must be considered during a Social Security Residual Functional Capacity evaluation. For this reason, any health condition which could affect your ability to work should be included in your disability application and you should receive treatment for all of your conditions, as well.

 

 

Timothy J. Cuddigan (Founder - Retired)
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Omaha Social Security and Veterans Disability Lawyer With Over 40 Years Experience
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