The pop singer Halsey recently revealed that she suffers from a host of genetic conditions that doctors are only starting to recognize. Among them is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). The musician discussed her struggles to be taken seriously by doctors for a vast array of symptoms prior to diagnosis, which helps draw attention to the trials many people with EDS suffer.
But what about Social Security Disability (SSD)? Will the Social Security Administration (SSA) take your claim for benefits seriously if you have a diagnosis of EDS?
It’s the severity of your condition that matters the most
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, like many other conditions, has degrees of severity. EDS even has several different types (the most dangerous of which is vascular EDS), each with its own level of risk.
In general, EDS can cause problems like:
- Chronic joint pain
- Frequent joint dislocations
- Problems with vision
- Unusual scarring
- Early-onset arthritis
- Chronic skin infections
- Poor wound healing
- Muscular weakness
- Bowel disorders
It isn’t unusual for sufferers to need assistive devices, including splints for their joints, canes, walkers and even wheelchairs. In addition, EDS is frequently encountered with other medical conditions that can also be limiting, such as postural tachycardia syndrome, which can affect one’s breathing and heart rate.
When Social Security evaluates your claim, they’ll look at the sum total of your symptoms, both physical and mental. That’s why it’s incredibly important to make sure that you include any diagnoses that are a by-product of the EDS, such as chronic pain and depression, on your application.
Get your Social Security claim approved
Often, the difference between an approved SSD claim and one that’s denied is the way that the information is organized and presented to the claims examiner. Learn more about how experienced legal assistance can help you obtain benefits.