There are a lot of medical conditions that fluctuate over time. Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, and central nervous system disorders, such as fibromyalgia, are a couple of examples. You may have days, weeks or even months when your symptoms are relatively manageable, followed by periods when working, concentrating or just managing your everyday tasks becomes extremely difficult.
Social Security understands that many medical conditions are variable – but the question is not whether you occasionally have a “good” period. The question is whether your condition prevents you from maintaining substantial gainful employment on a consistent basis.
Disability is about your inability to sustain work
There’s a common misconception that Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits are only available to people who are completely incapacitated every day. That is not how the system works.
If your condition causes unpredictable absences, significant fatigue, pain, cognitive difficulties or other limitations that interfere with your ability to show up to work consistently, maintain your concentration and meet deadlines, that’s still disabling – even if you occasionally can function quite well.
A single productive day, a family gathering or a brief improvement in symptoms does not necessarily mean you are capable of sustaining full-time work. If you aren’t able to work the equivalent of eight hours a day, five days a week, that’s significant and disabling.
Documentation is key to getting benefits approved
One of the biggest hurdles you face when applying for SSDI benefits with a chronic-but-variable condition is the need for documentation. It’s essential to regularly talk to your medical providers about how your condition affects you over time so that the whole picture starts to develop in your file.
For example, if you experience a period where your lupus symptoms are less severe or your chronic pain is better controlled, that information belongs in your medical records. Likewise, your records should also reflect the flare-ups you experience, any worsening symptoms and the ways your condition affects your daily life. Complete and accurate records often provide a stronger picture than records that suggest symptoms never change.
Applying for SSD benefits for a condition that fluctuates can be frustrating, especially when you are not sure how to answer questions about your functioning. Consultation with an experienced SSD attorney can help you better understand how to approach your claim and make it easier to secure the benefits you need.