The pandemic changed everyone’s lives, but for some, the consequences are more far-reaching. Side effects and long-term health impacts from COVID are something you or a loved one might be struggling with, but you’re not alone. Getting SSDI benefits for long COVID with neurological symptoms could help you get the necessary resources for care and treatment.
While SSDI applications are never simple, Phillip M. Hendry Law has extensive experience working with SSDI law, and we’re here to help. Find out what’s involved with the SSDI application process for your COVID-related condition and how we can assist you with the next steps. Working with our supportive, experienced SSDI lawyer can help you navigate the process and have a higher chance of approval.
Impacts of Long COVID With Neurological Symptoms
According to the Mayo clinic, an estimated 10 to 35% of people who have had COVID went on to have long COVID. Long COVID (also known as long haul COVID) is considered a chronic condition triggered by the virus that causes COVID-19. Even if a person never originally had COVID symptoms from the virus, symptoms from long COVID can show up weeks, months, or even years later. Anyone who has been infected with the COVID virus is at risk.
Common Long COVID Symptoms
There are over 200 symptoms associated with long COVID, including:
- Problems with taste or smell
- Insomnia or sleep issues
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Digestion problems
- Joint and muscle pain
Additionally, many people have existing health conditions that are exacerbated by long COVID, including mood disorders; autoimmune disease; heart, lung, or kidney disease; fibromyalgia; and more.
Neurological Symptoms Associated With Long COVID
Long COVID can often manifest as challenging neurological symptoms. In fact, the medical community is looking more closely into the impacts on the nervous system, and some are considering long-COVID to be a neurological condition. Typical neurological symptoms related to the condition include:
- Memory problems or brain fog (one long COVID study by the NIH identified these as among the most debilitating symptoms)
- Decreased ability to concentrate
- Chronic headaches
- Extreme or chronic fatigue
- Cognitive impairment, including difficulty making decisions
- Anxiety
- Being lightheaded or experiencing dizziness or vertigo
Long COVID with neurological symptoms can greatly impact a person’s everyday life and daily functioning, including the ability to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA). It typically requires ongoing, comprehensive care and may result in disability.
Getting SSDI Benefits for Long COVID with Neurological Symptoms
If you or a loved one is struggling with the ongoing and possibly debilitating effects of long COVID, our experienced SSDI lawyer can help. We’ll help outline your options and evaluate your situation. It can be challenging to obtain the documentation required for the SSDI application, but with an experienced legal team at your side, the process can be much easier and less stressful.
Evaluating Basic SSDI Eligibility
The process starts with basic eligibility for SSDI. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
- Past work in a job covered by Social Security
- Adequate work credits for your age
- A condition that is recognized by the SSA Blue Book (or condition that equals)
- A condition that is severe and is expected to last at least 12 months or end in death
- Income limit requirements (as of 2024, not more than $1470 per month)
- Proof of disability-level limitations in your work capacity
Qualifying for SSDI Benefits for Long COVID With Neurological Symptoms
The Social Security Administration (SSA) Blue Book does not list COVID-19. However, people with long COVID-19 symptoms may still be able to qualify for disability under the American Disabilities Act, Sections 504 and 1557.
To qualify, your symptoms must equal a similar condition or conditions listed in the Blue Book. Since long COVID is accompanied by different symptoms, how a person qualifies can vary. Those dealing with long COVID that includes disabling neurological conditions may qualify under Neurological Disorders, section 11.00.
Gather Critical Documentation
Documentation is of the utmost importance when it comes to proving disability and equaling a Blue Book listing. Evidence must prove your long COVID symptoms' existence, severity, and duration. You’ll need to have documentation from acceptable medical sources (AMS) that include:
- Complete medical records
- Neurological examination results
- Evidence of a COVID-19 diagnosis and a full record of accompanying neurological symptoms
- Evidence of your functional limitations and how they impact your ability to work
- Proof that you have not been able to work and will not be able to do future work due to your symptoms
- Tests that show neurological symptoms as a result of COVID (such as CT scans or MRIs)
- Records of treatments
You may also need detailed documentation from non-medical sources verifying daily activities and information to support your claim. Because the required documentation can be extensive and even feel overwhelming, enlisting a qualified SSDI lawyer to help can be helpful.
A Caring SSDI Lawyer at Phillip M. Hendry Law Can Help With Your Long COVID SSDI Application
An experienced and compassionate SSDI lawyer can assess your situation, gather required documentation, and help you fill out your SSDI application so it’s complete and error-free. Long COVID with neurological symptoms involves some differences from the standard process that can feel challenging to navigate, but we are here to assist every step of the way.