Lyme disease is caused by a certain type of bacteria carried in blacklegged ticks, or deer ticks. In order for a human to be infected, one must be bitten specifically by a deer tick already infected with this bacteria.
Symptoms can vary from person to person but typically begin with flu-like symptoms including fatigue, fever, headache, joint pain, skin rash, and swollen lymph nodes. If untreated, symptoms may grow to affect the immune, musculoskeletal, nervous, and cardiovascular systems.
As with most health conditions, the sooner symptoms are addressed, the better chances of recovery. Unfortunately, most people don’t remember bug bites unless they have an immediate severe reaction. Not receiving treatment can eventually result in severe health problems.
Lyme Disease & Disability
Because Lyme disease can have lasting effects on the body, it can become disabling. Common problems include:
- Bell’s palsy
- Depression
- Fibromyalgia
- Inflammatory arthritis or gout
- Meningitis
Because the Social Security Administration (SSA) does list Lyme disease as a potential disability, those who are unable to work may qualify for long term disability benefits if all conditions are met.
If you have paid sufficiently into the program over the years, and you can prove the inability to work for at least 12 months, you can move forward with your claim. Applicants will need to provide extensive documentation including a complete history of medical conditions and symptoms and how they have affected the ability to work.
It can be extremely confusing to decipher which additional requirements need to be met. An experienced Social Security disability attorney will be able to guide you through that step based on your specific symptoms and situation.
Social Security Disability Lawyers in Winston-Salem, NC
The disability attorneys at Collins Price, PLLC have the dedication and experience to help you obtain the benefits you have earned. We are available to provide legal assistance and guidance, and we will do the leg work for you.
Because we know what the SSA looks for when evaluating applications, we can use our experience in communicating with various medical professionals and insurance companies to make sure your benefits claim is supported with sufficient evidence.
We will be by your side every step of the way, keeping you informed about your case progression, addressing any questions or concerns you might have, and advocating for you. At Collins Price, PLLC, your case evaluation is always free, and you don’t pay anything until your disability benefits application is approved.
