Navigating life with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) presents unique challenges, including chronic pain, joint instability, and a range of other symptoms that can impair daily functioning. For many facing this reality, understanding how to access disability benefits is crucial.
Grundy Disability Group can assist individuals with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in securing the benefits they need and deserve, providing guidance through the complex landscape of disability claims.
What Is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a genetic disorder that impacts the connective tissues in the body. These tissues support the skin, bones, blood vessels, and many other organs and tissues. In people with EDS, these connective tissues are faulty, leading to a range of issues.
Here are some of the key signs of EDS:
- Joint Hypermobility: Joints that stretch further than normal and can dislocate easily.
- Fragile Skin: Skin that bruises and stretches more easily than usual.
- Chronic Joint Pain: Ongoing pain in the joints.
- Vascular EDS: A type of EDS that is considered life-threatening because it can cause blood vessels to tear.
The symptoms of EDS can vary a lot from person to person but they often make daily activities difficult and can cause a lot of discomfort. For some people, the effects of EDS may be severe enough to make them unable to work.
Disability attorneys and lawyers understand that living with EDS can be tough. They help people gather medical evidence to show how their symptoms prevent them from working and help them apply for disability benefits for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. This assistance is crucial for many who face the physical limitations and challenges associated with this group of connective tissue disorders.
Is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome A Disability That Qualifies For Benefits?
Under the Social Security Administration’s guidelines, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can be considered a disability if it limits one’s physical functioning or involves severe complications that prevent normal daily activities.
EDS is not listed as an example in the SSA’s Blue Book of qualifying conditions, however, it could still qualify with the right evidence. It would likely fall under immune system disorders or another category with the right evidence.
Proper medical documentation can demonstrate severe symptoms and complications like chronic joint dislocations, severe osteoarthritis, or significant cardiovascular complications. These symptoms can significantly impact a person’s daily life and ability to work.
How Can You Get Disability For Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
Securing disability benefits for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome involves a few critical steps:
- Gather comprehensive medical records that detail your diagnosis, symptoms, treatment plans, and how these impact your daily life. Documentation should include notes from physical exams, test results like genetic testing, and opinions from your healthcare providers.
- Prepare a report that explains how EDS affects your ability to perform daily activities and any work-related functions. This includes difficulties with walking, standing, lifting, or other routine tasks.
- Submit your application through the Social Security Administration, either online, by phone, or in person. Include all your prepared documents and ensure your application is thorough to avoid delays.
- Stay proactive in following up on your application status and be prepared to provide additional information as requested by the SSA.
How Grundy Disability Group Can Help With Your Claim
Grundy Disability Group brings years of experience in handling complex disability claims, including those involving Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Our approach includes:
- We begin by evaluating your specific circumstances to tailor our advice and strategies to your case.
- Our team assists in preparing and organizing all necessary documentation to build a compelling case for your claim.
- We represent you in all dealings with the SSA, ensuring that your case is presented clearly and effectively, maximizing your chances of approval.
Common Reasons Why Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) Claims May Be Denied for Social Security Disability Benefits
Navigating the process of securing Social Security Disability benefits for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can be fraught with challenges, often leading to initial denials. Understanding the common reasons for these denials can better prepare individuals to counteract potential obstacles in their claims. Here are several reasons why an EDS claim might be denied:
- The most frequent cause of denial is the lack of adequate medical evidence. Documentation must comprehensively detail the severity of the condition and its impact on daily life.
- Records should include a formal diagnosis, treatment plans, and notes from multiple medical visits over a prolonged period. Genetic testing results that confirm the diagnosis can be crucial.
- Claims often require input from specialists who understand the complexities of EDS. If the records lack insights from rheumatologists, geneticists, or other relevant specialists, the SSA might not view the case as adequately supported.
- If the documentation fails to show that EDS significantly impairs the claimant’s ability to perform basic work-related activities, such as walking, standing, sitting, lifting, or carrying, the claim may be denied.
- A detailed functional report demonstrating how EDS affects these activities is essential.
- Discrepancies between medical records and the claimant’s reported symptoms or abilities can lead to denial. Consistency in all forms and medical reports is crucial.
- If medical records indicate that the claimant has not consistently followed prescribed treatments without a valid reason, the SSA may conclude that the condition might not be as disabling as claimed.
- Younger individuals with EDS might face denials more frequently because the SSA assumes they can adjust to less physically demanding jobs, despite their condition. Higher educational levels can also impact decisions, with assumptions that claimants can transition to less physical or sedentary work.
- EDS, while chronic, may present periods of lesser severity. If the SSA believes the disabling condition could improve significantly, they may deny the claim.
- Simple mistakes like incomplete forms, missed deadlines, or failure to cooperate with the SSA’s requests for additional information can also result in a denial.
What Can We Do If Your Claim Was Denied?
If your initial claim is denied, don’t lose hope. Grundy Disability Group can take several steps to contest the decision:
- We review your application to identify any areas that could be strengthened or clarified.
- We guide you through the appeals process, preparing all necessary briefs and paperwork.
- We represent you at the disability hearing, advocating on your behalf and arguing the merits of your case before a judge.
Schedule Your Case Consultation With Grundy Disability Group
If you or a loved one is struggling with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and needs help securing disability benefits, contact Grundy Disability Group today. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you in navigating this challenging process, ensuring you receive the support you need. Schedule your case consultation to discuss your specific needs and how we can help you achieve a successful outcome.
