Social Security Disability Benefits exist to support those who have been stricken with severe and long-term conditions that are so severe that working regularly is impossible. However, sometimes disabilities can strike erratically, making it difficult to qualify for disability benefits, despite having regular bouts of physical or mental issues.
One can always apply for benefits, but the Social Security Administration (SSA) is quick to reject claims that fail to meet the most basic eligibility requirements.
The first eligibility requirement is simply the duration of your disability. Disabilities that qualify for benefits are typically either terminal or prevent employment for at least 12 consecutive months. Unfortunately, there are many severe conditions that flare-up at irregular periods. Because of the sporadic nature of these conditions, you may not be prevented from working long-term.
Claimants’ medical conditions are reviewed under standard listings within the SSA’s Blue Book. Each listing has qualifying disorders and conditions, symptoms, and indicators of severity. Someone who has a qualifying condition may either match, or closely match, a listing within the Blue Book. While it can be possible to get benefits if a claimant’s condition does not satisfy Blue Book requirements, being awarded benefits is more difficult.
Severe impairments, even if intermittent, can sometimes still qualify a claimant for benefits through a residual functional capacity (RFC) evaluation. In other words, the SSA will need to look not only at the disability but also at the impairments and limitations that it causes and how they impact a claimant’s ability to perform work. Social Security will also take into account the claimant’s age and prior work experience to determine if other work may exist in the economy the claimant can perform.
An intermittent medical condition can seriously impact your life and your ability to support yourself and your family. Navigating the process of applying for Social Security disability can be extremely challenging, and there’s more than one way to get approved. Consulting with a disability attorney can be extremely helpful as you decide whether applying for benefits is the right decision for your situation. If you’re suffering from an intermittent disability, contact Molly Burke Law Office to set up your free, no-obligation consultation.