Lyme disease creates SSDI challenges

Many regular readers of our North Carolina law blog will recall that the Centers for Disease Control, among others, has said that the risk of contracting Lyme disease is growing in here and in other southern states.

The disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by a tick bite. Symptoms can include heart disease, extreme pain, fatigue, memory loss, attention deficits, panic attacks, depression and more. Because the wide range of symptoms varies greatly among victims, and because the symptoms have significant overlap with other mental and physical impairments, Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose.

The difficulties in diagnosis can complicate the lives of those who suffer with the disease. In many cases, the symptoms are so severe that people suffering from it cannot continue working, yet they face serious challenges in having their claims for Social Security Disability benefits approved.

A recent article points out that those suffering with Lyme disease often have greater hurdles to overcome for SSDI approval. And let’s face it, getting a disability claim approved by the Social Security Administration is no easy feat for anyone.

For people with more easily diagnosed disabilities, Social Security looks at the itemized impairments listed in its so-called “blue book.” Because Lyme disease is not listed, it is important for SSDI claimants afflicted with the condition to document an array of qualifying physical and mental impairments that result in disability, the attorney who wrote the article points out.

You can discuss an appeal of an SSDI claim with an experienced attorney at the Charlotte law offices of Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler. Contact us to schedule an appointment.