Tips for applying for Social Security Disability with Covid 19 Long-Haulers

Tips for applying for Social Security Disability Benefits with Covid-19 Long-Haulers: 

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be overwhelming. Here are 9 tipsfor people considering to apply for Disability :

1. Obtain objective evidence. Explore tests that help to explain symptoms: such as CPET, tilt-table testing, and neuropsychological testing. When getting a CPET, seek out practitioners who understand ME/CFS and use Workwell’s 2-day test-retest protocol to avoid misinterpretation of results. COVID affects many body systems, long-haulers may need testing from other specialties, depending on how the disease impacted different organs, especially the head, heart and lungs.

2. Talk to a disability lawyer. Understanding a Social Security Disability is no easy task. Start talking with a lawyer before you file a new case so that it is done correctly. There are many forms that need to be completed. How you answer matters. 

3. Be honest about your condition. When preparing to make a claim, be  honest. If you have better and worse days, be upfront about the variation you experience in your illness, but do not minimize the limit that “bad days” place on the ability to function.

4. See your doctor regularly. COVID has made it far more difficult to see a doctor in person, leading people to access care less frequently and making it more difficult to get medical records. Although telemedicine appointments have become more widely available, they might not carry the same weight as an in-person exam and conversation with a physician.

Seeing a doctor regularly is important for documenting medical conditions. In addition to seeing a doctor regularly, it is equally important to mention how symptoms affect daily living activities. When visiting a doctor, bring a short page noting how symptoms affect your ability to function and ask that they be added to the physician’s notes.

5. Find a supportive doctor. Unsupportive doctors can refuse to refer patients to specialists and write strong support letters. Finding a doctor willing to listen and help get necessary medical testing can make a difference in a difficult case. If long-haulers suspect ME/CFS, see a physician who specializes in this disease.

6. Request medical records. It is always a good idea to occasionally request medical records to make sure that your doctor accurately represents your condition. If records are incomplete or express doubt, patients need to know this before appealing decisions. 

7. Journal. Keep a daily journal of symptoms and how they impact function.

8. Don’t give up. The Social Security Administration looks for ways to reject applicants, including those who are clearly disabled. Many people accept a negative ruling and do not file an appeal. While appeals may delay benefits, ultimately, it is possible to prevail with strong medical evidence.

9. Keep in Contact: If you have an attorney keep in contact with the attorney. Let the attorney know of any new doctors, hospitalizations or new diagnosis. 

If you need helping applying for Social Security Disability or SSI, please contact me at joshben99@gmail.com. I have over 20 years experience with Social Security Disability cases.

Location: United States

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