What you need to know about Social Security Disability and Long Haul COVID 19

It is likely that you or someone you know contracted COVID 19, recovered and now living life as they did before experiencing the symptoms of this virus.  The typical symptoms are relatively short-lived and include fever, respiratory symptoms and loss of taste/smell.  Articles written by medical providers are starting to surface indicating that some persons who recovered from the initial symptoms continue with the following:

Possible Long Haul COVID Physical Symptoms

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Lung issues - shortness of breath and getting easily winded
  • Headaches, dizziness
  • Muscle pain
  • Heart issues - chest pain with shortness of breath
  • Kidney issues
  • Worsening diabetes

Possible Long Haul COVID Mental Symptoms

  • Difficulty with thinking and memory, commonly referred to as "brain fog"
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD)

These severe symptoms, if they have persisted long enough, can greatly impact a person's ability to work on a consistent and regular basis.  The SSA must consider these symptoms when evaluating a claim for Social Security Disability.  Medical treatment records are a must as SSA will not consider a problem that is not documented in the medical records.  If your physician tells you that your symptoms are related to Long Haul COVID, you should make sure your medical records document your diagnosis and any medical testing used to arrive at that diagnosis. 

You should consult with an experienced SSDI lawyer as soon as you have thoughts of applying for SSDI so you can receive an evaluation of your specific situation and disability.  It will be time well spent and at Phillip Hendry Law, there is no charge for the consultation.