Ruth was a very private person. She didn’t reveal much about her health to anyone, even close friends and family members. They were shocked when Ruth’s condition worsened, and she applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Like Ruth, many Americans suffer from hidden disabilities. It’s easy to overlook the following disabilities.
#1. Auditory Conditions Can Be Hidden Disabilities
Most people expect to see physical manifestations of someone’s disabilities. Think wheelchair, walkers, and canes.
But certain auditory conditions qualify as hidden disabilities. Unless the person with the condition opens up, you may not understand that they have problems with their hearing. Like Ruth, they may eventually be unable to work because of their hearing and apply for SSDI.
#2. Visual Impairment Can Be Overlooked
The Social Security Administration (Social Security), which manages the SSDI program, has special rules and benefits for people with visual impairment. Applicants for benefits must be able to prove their condition, just as with other disabilities.
In fact, some people might be called ‘legally blind’ even though they can still see a little. Since there’s confusion about different levels of visual impairment, such conditions can be considered hidden disabilities.
#3. Chronic Pain Is Misunderstood
Unless you have chronic pain, you might be tempted just to tell people to take an Advil to feel better. But chronic pain goes far deeper, can affect every aspect of a person’s life, and may require special therapies to manage the pain.
People with chronic pain often find ways to hide the pain. At some point, it could become a disability that qualifies for SSDI benefits.
#4. Sleep Disorders Potentially Qualify as Hidden Disabilities
The time we’re asleep is one of the most private times in our day. So, most people will not notice if a loved one has a sleep disorders. And, yet there can be serious consequences because of the dangerous consequences of sleeping too much or too little.
#5. Migraines Are Often Debilitating
People sometimes confuse simple headaches and migraines. But they’re not the same.
Migraines are a neurological disease. Although not specifically listed in Social Security’s Listing of Impairments, it is possible to get SSDI for this hidden disability.
#6. Mental Illness Covers a Wide Range of Hidden Disabilities
Many people with a mental illness are able to cover up their symptoms. In some cases, they do see medical professionals and take medications. But sometimes disorders like depression, anxiety, and autism prevent people from working. If so, they might qualify for SSDI and SSI.
#7. Chronic Dizziness Can Be Dangerous
It’s common to treat dizzy spells as minor events. However, chronic dizziness can be hazardous for both the people suffering the spells and everyone around them. For example, a construction worker with chronic dizzy spells might have trouble operating heavy machinery or keeping their balance on ladders. Like many hidden disabilities, dizziness might only be noticed when someone gets hurt.
#8. Lupus Can Be Difficult to Understand – and Diagnose
It’s often misdiagnosed and underdiagnosed. That’s because lupus includes a diverse range of symptoms that might fit other conditions. People with this condition may be unable to work, at least during flare ups. If lupus keeps you from working, you could qualify for SSDI and SSI.
#9. Epilepsy Can Prevent People from Working.
In many cases, this seizure disorder can be controlled with medication. But when it can’t be controlled, working can become impossible. Most people will not know a friend or co-worker has epilepsy unless they are present for a seizure. This makes epilepsy one of many hidden disabilities.
#10. Auto Immune Diseases Includes Several Hidden Disabilities
This group of conditions includes HIV, inflammatory arthritis, lupus, and dermatomyositis. As with the other diseases on this list, people may not know that someone they know has an auto-immune disease. This type of condition can become a disability that is covered by SSDI and other disability benefits.
Will SSDI Cover Your Hidden Disabilities?
The application process can be long and frustrating, so you need someone on your side. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have more than 50 years’ experience. For a free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100. Though our office is located in Anaheim, we assist clients throughout Southern California.
