Massachusetts Disability Lawyer Supports EEE Survivors Through SSDI Application Process
The mosquito bite seemed harmless at first. Then came the splitting headache and fever that sent you to the emergency room. Now, months later, you're still dealing with the long-term effects of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Simple tasks like making breakfast or remembering appointments have become daily battles. You may wonder how you'll ever return to work.
If you're struggling with EEE complications in Massachusetts, Keefe Disability Law can help you pursue Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. We've worked with many clients whose lives were upended by this rare but serious illness. Our disability lawyers will guide you through the SSDI application process while you concentrate on your health. Let's explore how EEE may qualify you for disability benefits and what steps you need to take next.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis Outbreaks in Massachusetts
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but severe viral disease transmitted through infected mosquitos. It can affect people of all ages and can prove fatal in some cases. Massachusetts has recorded multiple EEE outbreaks, with cases occurring primarily in Plymouth, Bristol, and Norfolk counties, as well as in Barnstable, Essex, Middlesex, and Worcester.
The state's wetlands and swamps provide ideal breeding conditions for mosquitos carrying the virus. Responding to rising EEE cases, the state of Massachusetts implemented voluntary curfews and mosquito control measures in affected areas. Despite these precautions, the virus continues to affect residents, particularly during peak mosquito season in the summer, from July to September.
Initial Eastern Equine Encephalitis Symptoms
Symptoms of Eastern Equine Encephalitis usually appear within four to 10 days after infection. Initial indications may include:
- Fever and chills. A sudden onset of high fever accompanied by severe chills and fatigue often marks the beginning of infection
- Headache and neck stiffness. Intense headaches and neck pain can indicate inflammation of the brain tissue.
- Joint and muscle pain. Widespread body aches and muscle weakness may limit mobility and daily activities
- Mental changes. Confusion, disorientation, and personality changes can occur as the virus affects brain function.
Long-Term Complications of EEE Infections
Long-term complications from EEE can be severe and permanent. Many survivors face lifelong challenges that affect their independence and ability to work.
Cognitive Impairment
Cognitive impairment can manifest as difficulty with memory, concentration, and mental processing. EEE survivors may struggle to follow multi-step instructions or complete familiar tasks. Some find it impossible to handle jobs requiring quick decisions or complex problem-solving.
Physical Disabilities
Physical disabilities can range from muscle weakness to complete paralysis. Some people who’ve had EEE experience tremors or involuntary movements that make fine motor tasks impossible. Balance problems and coordination difficulties may require the use of mobility aids or assistive devices.
Neurological Changes
Neurological changes frequently include seizures, which may occur without warning and require ongoing medication. EEE survivors may experience vision problems like double vision, light sensitivity, or partial vision loss. Speech difficulties can make communication challenging. Some survivors develop aphasia or struggle to find the right words.
Personality Disorders
Personality disorders stemming from EEE can transform someone's entire character and emotional landscape. Survivors often battle sudden mood swings, unprovoked anger, or severe anxiety that interferes with social relationships. Depression is common, particularly as people adjust to their new limitations and changed circumstances.
Sleep Disturbances
Sleep disorders frequently accompany EEE recovery, with many survivors experiencing insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness. These sleep disruptions can worsen other symptoms and make it difficult to maintain regular work hours.
Pain and Discomfort
Chronic pain often persists long after the initial infection has cleared. Headaches, muscle pain, and joint discomfort may require ongoing pain management. Some EEE survivors need regular physical therapy to maintain their current level of function.
How EEE Can Affect Your Ability to Work
The lasting effects of an Eastern Equine Encephalitis infection can significantly impact your capacity to maintain employment. Physical limitations may prevent you from performing manual labor. Similarly, cognitive impairments could affect your ability to handle office work or manage professional responsibilities.
Social Security evaluates how these limitations affect your ability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). Your condition might prevent you from:
- Standing or walking for extended periods
- Lifting or carrying objects
- Maintaining focus on tasks
- Processing complex information
- Interacting appropriately with coworkers
- Serving customers and clients effectively
- Following instructions accurately
How to Qualify for SSDI Benefits With EEE
While Eastern Equine Encephalitis isn't specifically mentioned in the Social Security Administration's Blue Book Listing of Impairments, there are ways to qualify for disability benefits based on your symptoms and limitations.
Meeting a Blue Book Listing
Your condition might qualify under Section 11.00 (Neurological Disorders) via a couple of different listings. Each listing has specific medical criteria that must be documented.
- 11.02 Epilepsy. You may qualify if you experience frequent seizures that remain uncontrolled despite following prescribed treatment. These seizures must occur at least once a month for three consecutive months.
- 11.04 Vascular insult to the brain. This Blue Book listing requires evidence of severe speech or physical problems, disorganization of motor function in two extremities, or marked limitation in physical functioning combined with cognitive difficulties.
Medical-Vocational Allowance
Even if you don't exactly match a Blue Book listing, you might qualify for SSDI through a medical-vocational allowance. This approach looks at your overall ability to work, considering several factors.
- Age. Social Security recognizes that older workers may have more difficulty adapting to new types of work. Someone over 50 with EEE complications may have an easier time qualifying than someone in their 30s with similar symptoms.
- Education level and work history. If your EEE complications prevent you from doing your past work, the SSA considers whether you could reasonably learn and perform other work based on your education and experience.
- Transferable skills. The SSA considers if you could shift to less demanding work based on your past experience. If EEE has affected your cognitive abilities, however, skills from your past work may no longer be relevant.
- Physical and mental limitations. The SSA tries to create a complete picture of your work capacity, including fine motor skills, memory and concentration, social interaction capabilities, and stress tolerance.
Residual Functional Capacity Assessment
Your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment documents specific limitations caused by EEE complications. A strong RFC form completed by your treating physician should detail:
- Physical restrictions on movement and exertion
- Cognitive limitations affecting memory and concentration
- Mental health symptoms impacting work performance
- Need for frequent breaks or medical appointments
- Side effects of necessary medications
Your RFC must clearly explain why your combined limitations prevent you from sustaining full-time work. This detailed assessment often provides the strongest support for your disability claim, especially when your condition doesn't precisely match a specific Blue Book listing.
Essential Medical Documentation for Your SSDI Claim
Strong medical evidence is crucial for filing a successful SSDI application. You should submit documentation from acceptable medical sources, such as:
- Hospital records from initial EEE diagnosis
- Neurologist evaluations
- Brain imaging results
- Physical therapy assessments
- Mental health evaluations
- Treatment records that show ongoing complications
Steps in the SSDI Application Process for EEE
Applying for SSDI benefits requires careful attention to detail and a good understanding of what the Social Security Administration needs to approve your claim.
Initial Application
The process begins with your initial application, which should paint a complete picture of how EEE affects your daily life and ability to work. You'll need to provide detailed information about your medical treatment, work history, and current limitations. Even small errors can lead to delays or denials, underscoring the importance of working with an experienced SSDI lawyer.
Medical Review
When your claim reaches medical review, disability examiners pore over your health records. They want proof—not just that you have EEE, but that it seriously limits your ability to work. Your neurologist's notes matter a lot here, especially observations about your symptoms and how they affect daily tasks. Sometimes, the SSA will request a consultative examination with their doctors, particularly if your medical records don't tell the whole story of your limitations.
Technical Review
The technical review runs parallel to the medical evaluation. During this phase, Social Security verifies that you've earned sufficient work credits to qualify for benefits. They'll also confirm that your current income is below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit. This review aims to ensure you meet all non-medical eligibility requirements.
Denials and Appeals
The SSA denies the majority of initial applications, often due to insufficient medical evidence or incomplete documentation. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. The appeals process has strict deadlines and specific requirements, making it crucial to seek legal representation if you haven't already.
Throughout this process, maintaining clear communication with Social Security is essential. Failing to provide requested documentation in a timely manner or missing deadlines can seriously harm your chances of approval.
How a Massachusetts Disability Lawyer Helps Your EEE Claim
Living with EEE complications is challenging enough without worrying about financial security. At Keefe Disability Law, we understand the unique challenges EEE survivors face when applying for SSDI benefits. Our experienced disability lawyers know how to present your case effectively to Social Security.
Your disability lawyer can:
- Review your medical records
- Secure the strongest evidence to support your claim
- Complete application paperwork accurately
- Meet crucial deadlines
- Communicate with the Social Security Administration
- Represent you at appeals hearings, if necessary
Don't face the SSDI application process alone. Our Massachusetts disability lawyers have helped many EEE survivors obtain the benefits they need. We'll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and guide you through each step of the application process. Let us help you get the SSDI benefits you need while you focus on your health and recovery.