Can "Long COVID" Qualify Me for Disability Benefits?

 Posted on October 20,2022 in Social Security disability

Over the last several years, it has become well-known - if not medically well-understood - that many people who were infected with COVID continue to have disruptive symptoms long after the initial infection has cleared. This has generally been referred to as “long COVID,” with people who experience this phenomenon “COVID long-haulers.” The symptoms associated with long COVID can interfere substantially with a person’s life and ability to work. Significant and persistent tiredness or fatigue is an oft-cited concern of individuals with lasting COVID symptoms.

Some individuals - predominantly women - have even had a COVID infection contribute to the development of a little-understood medical condition known as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). In some cases, long COVID can rise to the level of a disability for the purposes of Social Security Disability benefits. If you are unable to work due to the lasting effects of COVID, an attorney may be able to help you get the disability benefits you need. 

The Substantial Limitation Requirement and Long COVID

A disability is a physical or mental health condition that substantially limits at least one of a person’s major life activities. People with long COVID may or may not experience symptoms that limit their daily activities. Long COVID symptoms and effects that may rise to the level of a disability include: 

• Lung damage - A person whose lungs were damaged may struggle with mobility. It can be immensely challenging for a person who now has trouble breathing due to COVID to work in almost any capacity. 
• Heart inflammation and circulatory damage - A person whose heart is inflamed or otherwise damaged, or who now experienced blood flow issues may be limited in their ability to function in daily life, let alone in a career. 
• Neurological harm - Neurological damage can affect how a person is able to move, think, or interact with the world around them. This can make it impossible to sustain work. 
• POTS - POTS is not a well-understood illness, but it has been shown that it can be triggered by a viral illness, including COVID. People who have this condition may experience significant fatigue, dizziness or syncope upon standing, and autonomic system dysfunction among numerous other potential symptoms. 

COVID has the potential to leave a person disabled, and the law is beginning to recognize this. 

Contact a Milwaukee County Social Security Disability Attorney

Pearson Disability Law, LLC is committed to helping disabled individuals obtain the benefits they need. As an experienced Milwaukee Social Security Disability lawyer, Attorney Pearson will fight to prove that you are qualified for these benefits due to long COVID. Call 414-240-4801 for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we are able to secure benefits for you. 

Sources:

https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-providers/civil-rights-covid19/guidance-long-covid-disability/index.html

https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/mild-covid-19-linked-to-postural-orthostatic-tachycardia-syndrome/amp/