Social Security Disability Relief for Syndromes

When a group of symptoms occur together, the condition may be labeled as a “syndrome.” If you suffer from one of these syndromes has kept you from being able to work, you may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.

At Hardison & Cochran, our lawyers can help you to prove the link between your syndrome and your disability and seek the benefits you deserve. Contact us without delay to receive a free and prompt review of your case. We serve clients throughout North Carolina.

Common Medical Syndromes Leading to Disability

Some medical syndromes are genetic. Other syndromes may be acquired through injury or disease. The syndrome’s impact on your ability to perform standard work duties determines whether it is a disabling condition.

There are many medically recognized syndromes that can be disabling. They include:

  • Asperger’s Syndrome – This is an autism-spectrum disorder that causes developmental delays in the areas of socialization and communication. People with this condition may be so withdrawn that they are unable to work for a living.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – This painful condition is generally caused by repetitive bending of the wrist. People may suffer from this condition after years of working in assembly lines or using a keyboard. It affects the ability to grasp or carry objects. It is one of the most common forms of repetitive stress injuries (RSIs).
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) – This is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that cannot be explained by any underlying medical condition. Symptoms include pain in regions of the body and loss of memory or concentration.
  • Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) – This is a heart rhythm disorder that can potentially cause fast, chaotic heartbeats. The condition may trigger a sudden fainting spell or seizure.

Can You Qualify for SSD Benefits with a Syndrome?

A SSD benefits application must include medical records that establish your disability. This is likely to be easier for syndromes that are better understood than for some that defy medical explanation.

The Social Security Administration’s “Blue Book” lists qualifying traits for various syndromes that are considered severe enough to prevent an individual from working. For example, the SSA considers Down Syndrome to be one of the “Impairments that Affect Multiple Body Systems.”

But Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), though recognized by the medical community, is characterized by the fact that it has no medical explanation. There are no official tests that conclusively identify this syndrome. Rather, doctors are almost entirely dependent on a patient’s report of his or her symptoms in reaching a diagnosis.

One way you can strengthen your Social Security Disability application for benefits when you have an ill-defined syndrome like CFS is to keep a journal detailing how it affects your life. The journal should describe the ailments, illness or pain your experience every day. It should also describe the ways the syndrome causes you to be unable to perform your job tasks.

Even with information provided by your doctor and from you, the SSA’s claim examiners may ask you to undergo additional medical exams.

Let Our North Carolina SSD Attorneys Guide Your Syndrome-Based Benefits Claim

There are specific requirements for obtaining Social Security Disability benefits for any disorder that causes you to be disabled. After decades of working with SSD applicants in North Carolina, Hardison & Cochran attorneys have a thorough understanding of the SSD program as well as the state-run Disability Determination Services (DDS). We also work with consulting physicians who know how to explain syndromes to the satisfaction of local DDS examiners.

Call or contact us online today for a free initial consultation about your SSD benefits case.

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