Do you have obesity and wonder if you qualify for disability benefits?
Obesity is a prevalent health concern in the U.S., affecting millions of people with its unique challenges.
However, obtaining disability benefits for this health condition is not always easy.
Obesity is only in rare cases considered a qualifying disability. Still, there are other strategies you can implement to secure healthcare and financial assistance through Social Security.
In their article, we’ll share crucial information about obesity disabiltiy benefits, including what it takes to qualify and your chances of winning disability with a lawyer.
Is Obesity A Qualifying Disability for SSDI Benefits?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) removed obesity from its Listing of Impairments in 1999.
Therefore, obesity alone does not qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
Winning disability solely on obesity is rare. To achieve that, the claimant would have to demonstrate that their weight negatively impacts their life as much as a listed impairment would.
For instance, a person with severe obesity unable to walk might qualify as their condition “medically equals” listing 1.03, similar to someone who has been unable to walk for a year due to reconstructive surgery on a weight-bearing joint.
Still, obesity itself is unlikely to grant you benefits. However, obesity often leads to other health conditions listed in the SSA’s “Blue Book.”
If your weight results in or worsens a qualifying disability, you increase your chances of securing benefits.
Medically Qualifying Conditions for Obesity
Obesity can exacerbate medically qualifying conditions for disability benefits, including:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Respiratory problems
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Depression and anxiety
During your case review, the SSA will consider how obesity interacts with those conditions.
For example, your weight can worsen arthritis symptoms or make it more challenging to manage your type 2 diabetes.
SSA’s Claim Evaluation Process and Obesity
Although obesity no longer takes part in the Blue Book of qualifying disabilities, it can still play a significant role in disability determinations.
The SSA will assess how obesity, in combination with other health impairments, hinders your ability to work.
When reviewing your case, the SSA will:
- If your obesity, along with other health conditions, matches the severity of a listed impairment.
- How obesity impacts your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC).
- The overall impact of all your medical conditions, including obesity.
Enhancing Your Obesity Case To Win Disability Benefits
To win a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim for obesity (in conjunction with other medical conditions), you must present strong medical evidence.
No magical weight number will make the SSA rule in your favor.
Securing benefits implies more than a doctor’s diagnosis. You must provide enough substantial and relevant evidence supporting how your health impairments prevent you from working.
Evidence can include test results, doctors’ statements and notes, imaging tests, treatment documentation, and an RFC analysis.
These are some tips to enhance your obesity disability claim:
Gather Strong Medical Evidence
Do your homework and ensure you have sufficient medical evidence supporting your claim.
The evidence must clearly outline the link between obesity and your other health impairments.
Submit A Flawless Application
If the SSA finds any technical error, such as a missed deadline or an unanswered question, it can immediately deny your claim.
Winning obesity disability claims is already challenging; don’t give the SSA any other reason to reject your case.
Make Sure You Meet The Other Requirements
Besides strong medical evidence, claimants must meet several other requirements to win disability benefits.
Two of the basic requirements include:
- Your disability prevents you from performing your job (or getting a new one).
- Your health impairment is expected to last for at least 12 months (remember that Social Security disability benefits are long-term).
Then, each disability benefits program has its own eligibility criteria.
For example, to apply for SSDI, you must have enough work credits.
On the other hand, to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your income and resources must be low or nonexistent.
Hire A Seasoned Disability Attorney
All disability claims are complex and lengthy, and legal assistance is always beneficial.
However, in particularly tricky cases, such as an obesity claim, legal assistance completely changes the game.
Claimants who work with an attorney have 3 times more chances of winning disability benefits.
A professional disability lawyer will gather strong medical evidence and doctors’ testimonials to build a flawless case and enhance your chances of securing the benefits you deserve.
Winning Disability Benefits for Obesity
Obtaining disability benefits for obesity is not easy.
However, you might qualify for benefits if your weight had caused or impacted other health impairments.
The key is gathering enough medical evidence and building a foolproof case.
A disability attorney can assist you in strengthening your claim. Most lawyers provide a free initial consultation, so take advantage of this opportunity to present your case and inquire about the best path towards disability benefits.