lead exposure disabilities | Social Security disability lawyer

An Experienced SSDI Lawyer Explains the Serious Impairments That Lead Exposure May Cause

Dealing with lead exposure and health conditions related to lead poisoning can be a frightening experience. Lead poisoning can lead to a range of challenging issues, including those that involve intellectual, behavioral, and functional disabilities. Though the process of seeking SSDI benefits for lead exposure can feel confusing, the team at Phillip M. Hendry Law has the skill and knowledge to help you at every turn along the way. We’ll treat you with the care and compassion you deserve and seek the financial support you need. Find out how having an experienced SSDI lawyer can help increase your chance of approval for SSDI benefits related to lead exposure.  

What Is Lead Exposure and Why Does It Matter?

Lead exposure involves being exposed to small concentrations of lead over time, which can lead to lead poisoning. Lead can be found in a variety of sources, including paint, toys, playground equipment, or industrial emissions. It can enter the body through contaminated food, water, or dust in the air. Lead toxicity can also occur from touching contaminated items. 

Lead poisoning is especially dangerous to young children and women of childbearing age, though it can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. It can also cause harm to an unborn child if the mother has been exposed. Lead poisoning affects the body’s essential processes and can have a serious impact on multiple body systems. Once exposed, lead moves to the brain, kidneys, bones, and liver. 

Symptoms of Lead Exposure

Because lead exposure can impact the entire body, there may be many associated symptoms. These may include:

  • Headaches
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Joint pain 
  • Fatigue 
  • Muscle weakness
  • Loss of coordination
  • Seizures
  • Cramping 
  • Memory or concentration problems
  • Personality changes or mood disorders
  • Pregnancy-related issues

Additionally, children with lead poisoning that is not caught early may exhibit:

  • Learning problems or developmental delays
  • Slowed growth 
  • Hearing difficulties
  • Behavior problems, including aggressive behavior
  • Seizures

Conditions Related to Lead Poisoning 

Unfortunately, any level of lead exposure can lead to harmful health outcomes, and they may even be fatal. According to the World Health Organization, lead poisoning caused 1.5 million deaths in 2021. Lead exposure can lead to serious impairments, including: 

  • Heart disease
  • Anemia 
  • Brain damage
  • Kidney problems
  • Issues with reproductive health
  • Digestive disorders
  • Problems with memory
  • Developmental delays
  • Learning impairments
  • Mental illness

Lead Exposure Symptoms and Conditions Could Prevent You From Working 

From cognitive and memory issues to physical effects like lowered muscle function and heart problems, there’s a wide range of impairments that could prevent you from being able to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA). An experienced SSDI lawyer can help you understand how your symptoms can impact your mental and physical functioning and how to provide evidence of this to help you qualify for SSDI.  

How the SSA Evaluates SSDI Applications for Lead Exposure

Phillip M. Hendry Law can walk you through the detailed SSDI application process for you or your child. We’ll provide a brief overview so you can understand what to expect.

The SSA evaluates many factors when determining disability coverage, and they follow a five-step process:

  1. Determine financial eligibility 
  2. Determine if the impairment is severe
  3. Review impairment criteria
  4. Evaluate previous employment
  5. Consider work capacity

Considerations for Adults 

Adults must meet the following criteria for SSDI eligibility:

  • You must have enough work credits for your age.

  • You must have a medically determinable impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

  • Your condition must be severe enough to prevent substantial gainful activity (SGA) from your previous or other types of work.

SSDI Eligibility for Children 

Children must have a disability that meets the Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines, and their family’s resources must fall within the SSA limits. Documentation from teachers, therapists, or other professionals with knowledge about the child’s condition may be required.    

Is Lead Exposure Listed in the SSA Blue Book?

Some conditions qualify for disability because they are listed in the SSA Blue Book. Lead exposure and lead poisoning are not specifically listed in the Blue Book. However, lead exposure’s related conditions, such as neurological disorders, cardiovascular disease, or mental illness, can be evaluated under the qualifying section. 

Because lead exposure is not specifically listed, it can be a more complex process. This is where an experienced SSDI lawyer at Phillip M. Hendry Law can step in and help. 

It’s Common for Applications to Be Denied 

The initial application is typically the starting point, as it’s common for applications to be denied. Phillip M. Hendry Law can ensure you have all the evidence necessary for your application, help you avoid mistakes, and give you an increased chance of approval. Even if your application is denied, we can continue to help you through the process to appeal the decision or apply for other benefits. 

Phillip M. Hendry Can Help You Apply for SSDI for Lead Exposure Conditions

With over 30 years of experience in SSDI law, Phillip M. Hendry Law is a firm you can trust when handling SSDI applications for lead exposure. We can guide you through every step to build a strong application and alleviate the stress of an overwhelming process. 

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