Many disabilities are evident just by looking at someone. When someone sees clues that another person has a disability (e.g. they are using a wheelchair), there is a common understanding that special accommodations should be made to help that person. But what about disabilities that cannot be seen?

Just because a disability is not always visible by looking at someone does not negate its impact on that individual. In fact, many of these “invisible illnesses” can have as much of a profound effect as their visible counterparts on someone else’s daily life.

The Challenges of Invisible Illness and Toll on Individuals

Invisible illnesses are those in which are not immediately visible to others. According to Disabled World, 96 percent of individuals with chronic medical conditions have invisible illnesses.

Unfortunately, many people continue to misunderstand these invisible conditions. However, for those with illnesses, the pain, symptoms, and negative impact on his or her life can be all-consuming.

In addition, these individuals may have a difficult time explaining their pain to loved ones and may not feel as though their condition is not taken seriously, leaving them to fee even more isolated.

In fact, those who struggle with these conditions may experience added stigma, and they may have to deal with others who do not believe their symptoms.

What Are Common Invisible Illnesses

Some of these conditions that have been approved as disabilities by the Social Security Administration include:

• Chronic pain
• Chronic fatigue
• Renal failure
• Sleep Disorders
• Epilepsy
• Lupus
• Multiple sclerosis
• HIV/AIDS
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Chronic dizziness
• Fibromyalgia
• Arthritis
• Major depressive episodes
• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Schizophrenia
• Traumatic brain injury

Eligibility for SSD Benefits

If you have any of the above disabling conditions, dependant upon your specific circumstances, you may qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. You may qualify if:

1. Your disability is expected to last at least 12 months or is expected to be terminal
2. Your disability prevents you from doing any kind of work; and
3. You are under the care of a physician, are following their treatment plan, and are open to participating in recovery (when possible).

It is critically important that individuals who suffer from these illnesses obtain documentation from their doctors in regard to their symptoms, restrictions, limitations, and the severity of their illness, as well as how the condition impacts their ability to work.

Let The Disability Attorneys of Michigan Help You

For 20 years, Disability Attorneys of Michigan has helped the disabled of Michigan obtain the Social Security Disability Benefits they deserve. If you are unable to work due to a physical, mental or cognitive impairment, call Disability Attorneys of Michigan now for a free consultation at 800-701-5524