Cushing syndrome requires medical treatment, but your diagnosis is not enough to qualify you for Social Security disability benefits. However, you may qualify for disability benefits if your Cushing syndrome symptoms are severe enough to prevent you from working or if you suffer a Cushing syndrome complication that qualifies you for benefits.
When Cushing Syndrome Symptoms Keep You From Working
Some health effects of Cushing syndrome may impact your quality of life but not impact your ability to work. For example, you may suffer from weight gain, acne, stretch marks, menstrual irregularities, or reproductive issues.
Other health issues may impact both your quality of life and your ability to work. For example, you may be unable to work if you suffer:
- Significant fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Anxiety or depression
- Cognitive problems
- Headaches
- Frequent infections
If you suffer one or more of these symptoms, then you will need to explain to the Social Security Administration how your condition results in a permanent disability that keeps you from engaging in substantial gainful activity. In other words, you need to establish that these symptoms have lasted or are expected to last for at least 12 months despite reasonable medical treatment and that they keep you from working and earning more than the minimum amount established by the Social Security Administration.
Cushing Syndrome Complications May Qualify You for Social Security Disability
Sometimes Cushing syndrome causes secondary medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or frequent bone fractures due to bone loss.
If you suffer a Cushing syndrome complication that keeps you from working, you have two options for qualifying for Social Security disability benefits. As always, you may qualify for Social Security disability if you suffer a permanent disability that keeps you from working. Additionally, you may qualify for benefits because of the complication rather than your Cushing syndrome diagnosis. In these cases, you may qualify for benefits if your complication meets the requirements in one of the Blue Book Listing of Impairments or if the complication prevents you from working.
Tips for a Successful Social Security Disability Application
The majority of first-time Social Security disability applications are denied. In your case, the Social Security Administration may see Cushing syndrome and deny your application unless you clearly prove that you are eligible for disability benefits. You can present a convincing application by:
- Including all of your medical conditions. You do not have to rely on one symptom or one diagnosis for Social Security disability eligibility. Instead, you should include all of your health conditions. You may be able to work if you suffer fatigue or muscle loss, for example, but when you put all of your health conditions together, you may be unable to work.
- Be honest. While you should include all of your medical symptoms, you should not exaggerate your injuries. Everything that you say should be consistent with your medical records.
- Stay on top of your application. The Social Security Administration may ask for clarification about your application. It’s essential to answer questions as quickly as possible to avoid delays.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan. If you don’t follow the treatment plan, the Social Security Administration may deny your application.
- Contact a Social Security disability lawyer. You don’t have to file your application alone. An experienced lawyer can help make sure your application is considered fairly.
Together, these steps may help you get the disability benefits you deserve.
You Can Afford a Social Security Disability Lawyer
It can be financially frightening when your health conditions keep you from working, and you may be understandably worried about the cost of hiring a Social Security disability lawyer. However, legal fees are paid out of any back pay you receive. You will not owe hourly legal fees.
Our experienced New England Social Security disability attorneys are happy to provide you with a free consultation about your rights if you can’t work because of Cushing syndrome or a related medical complication. Please contact us today to get started.
Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?
If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.
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