Criteria For Receiving Benefits
Each application is reviewed to see if it fulfills a large number of criteria including the following:
- Is there medical evidence showing that you are unable to perform reasonable or gainful activity due to your condition?
- Is your condition severe enough that you have been unable to engage in substantial gainful activity for 12 months or more?
- Did you provide a medical history recording the presence of hypothyroidism and its debilitating effects? This may include:Notes on physical examsLab work and/or blood testsOther tests regarding thyroid function including but not limited to cardiac function, psychological assessments etc.
- Does your vocational or work history document an inability to complete required tasks because of your condition?
- Have you worked enough and paid taxes into the Social Security Administration to acquire adequate credits?
A complete list of the criteria required to win disability benefits can be found here.
Dc 7900 Hyperthyroidism Including Graves Disease
Hyperthyroidism, also called an overactive thyroid, is a common condition in which the thyroid gland produces excess thyroid hormones. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include:
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Eye swelling
Upon an initial diagnosis of hyperthyroidism, VA assigns veterans a 30 percent disability rating for a period of six months. After six months, veterans are reevaluated and rated based on the residual symptoms of the disease or complications of medical treatment. VA uses diagnostic codes from the affected body system to rate residuals or complications.
Chemicals such as PBDs, or polybrominated diphenyl ethers, can cause hyperthyroidism. These chemicals are used in substances like flame retardants and pesticides. Therefore, veterans who were exposed to these chemicals during their service may be entitled to service connection for their hyperthyroidism.
Symptoms Of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
People with Hashimoto’s usually have the same symptoms as people with hypothyroidism. There are no symptoms that are unique to Hashimoto’s. That said, autoimmune conditions may cause further aggravation and discomfort compared to conditions that are not caused by autoimmune processes. Typically, your immune system protects your organs and keeps you healthy. With autoimmune conditions, however, your immune cells attack healthy tissues in your body.
Hashimoto’s symptoms may include:
- Changes to the menstrual cycle
- Muscle weakness and joint pain
Given this combination of symptoms, it is no wonder that people with untreated or uncontrollable Hashimoto’s can struggle to perform daily activities, including providing an income.
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Get The Support You Need For Your Debilitating Hypothyroidism
The application process for disability can be overwhelming. As such, many applicants enlist the assistance of a Social Security lawyer to review their claims. Because thyroid disorders are not as widely recognized or easily classified, it can be of great benefit to get the assistance of someone who is familiar with the system and the many factors involved. When you are satisfied that you have collected the requisite information you can apply for benefits online here or in person. Online applications can be filled out at the SSA website at any time whereas a physical application will require an appointment which can be arranged by calling 1-800-772-1213. If you are suffering from debilitating hypothyroidism or thyroid-related disease seek out support in the form of disability benefits.
Resources
The Ssa Evaluation And Medical Qualifications For Hypothyroidism
While thyroid disorders can be serious, there is no specific listing for them in the SSA medical guide, which is known as the Blue Book.
While many patients are able to function normally and control their thyroid issues with medication, there are those who lives are seriously impacted by the major complications, such as strokes, heart issues, anxiety, depression, or unintended and uncontrolled weight loss or weight gain.
There are several Blue Book listings that involve thyroid disorders. Some of the more common thyroid medical issues and how the SSA addresses them and evaluates them include:
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Receiving Disability Benefits For A Thyroid Disorder
You may be eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income benefits or Social Security disability benefits if you have a thyroid disorder, it has or is expected to last at least a year, and you are not working above the substantial gainful activity level , and you qualify for disability benefits in one of the following ways:
- Meeting the requirements of an SSA disability listing
- Submitting medical evidence that indicates you are unable to perform any work, or
- Meeting the requirements of a compassionate allowance condition.
Heart Disease And Disability Benefits
Due to the nature of hypothyroidism, and the physical toll it can take on a persons body, disability for hypothyroidism is available through the Canadian government. The Canadian Disability Tax Credit and Child Disability Tax Credit are two such options that families combatting hypothyroidism can find support from.
However, many differently-abled Canadians, who are eligible for Disability Tax Credits or savings plans through the Canada Revenue Agency , dont bother claiming the benefits theyre entitled to. They may be unaware their condition qualifies for benefits, or they simply cant be bothered going through the Disability Tax Credit application process.
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Financially Qualifying For Benefits
In addition to medically qualifying for benefits, you must also meet the financial eligibility rules established by the SSA. There are two disability programs for which you may be eligible with hypothyroidism:
- For Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, you must be unable to hold a job in which you can earn a gainful living, which the SSA considers $1,070 per month for the year 2014. You must additionally have sufficient work credits accumulated from your previous employment. Learn more about work credits here:
- For Supplemental Security Income benefits, there are no work credits required, but you must have very limited income and other financial resources. Learn more about the SSI financial threshold limits here:
The Debilitating Symptoms Of Hypothyroidism
Because of its notable influence on a wide range of systems and functions, an underactive thyroid can trigger many different symptoms. Several common symptoms accompany hypothyroidism including weight gain, difficulty losing weight, dry skin, fatigue, depression, immune issues, migraines, muscle pain and weakness, osteoporosis, and others. Severe cases of hypothyroidism may cause one to experience excruciating muscle pain, unending fatigue, immobility, recurrent or crippling migraines, and depression get the full list of hypothyroid symptoms here. Thyroid patients suffering from severe symptoms such as these may be able to acquire aid in the form of Social Security disability benefits.
The Equality Act of 2010 provides a brief definition of what qualifies a person as disabled. An individual is considered disabled if they have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities. Because symptoms of thyroid disease occur at varying frequencies and severity many thyroid patients may not qualify to receive disability benefits. However, if a patient experiences physical and/or mental disruption that impedes their ability to engage in reasonable and gainful employment they should certainly consider applying for government support through the SSA.
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Employment And Support Allowance
Employment and Support Allowance is for people who:
- cant work because of sickness or disability, and
- arent getting Statutory Sick Pay
There are two types of ESA:
- contributory ESA, which you can get if you have paid enough national insurance contributions
- income-related ESA which is paid if your income and capital are low enough.
You may be able to get both contributory ESA and income-related ESA, depending on your circumstances. For both types of ESA, you will usually have to have various tests to confirm that you have limited capability for work.
In some circumstances, you can only get contributory ESA for up to 365 days.
Hypothyroidism And Agent Orange
Vietnam War veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange during military service may have later developed serious health conditions. The VA has a list of conditions that are presumed to be caused by Agent Orange. If a Vietnam veteran meets certain eligibility requirements and has one of these conditions, they are automatically awarded service connection to receive disability benefits.
This list of presumptive diseases includes:
- Porphyria cutanea tarda
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Diagnosis And Treatment For Thyroid Disorders
To diagnose a thyroid disorder, your doctor will evaluate your symptoms, review your personal and family medical history, and perform blood tests. These tests will measure the levels of T3 and T4 hormones in your blood to determine if you have hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Your doctor may also test your blood for antibodies that may determine if the cause of have hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism is an autoimmune problem, such as Graves or Hashimotos disease. For a goiter or thyroid nodules, thyroid scanning or imaging may be done.
Treatment depends on the cause of your condition, as well as your age, physical condition, and the severity of your disorder. For hyperthyroidism and related disorders such as Graves disease, treatments will surround the thyroid and slow the release of hormones.
Common treatments consist of taking anti-thyroid medications or radioactive iodine. Medications may prevent your thyroid from producing excess hormones, while radioactive iodine shrinks your thyroid by destroying the overactive thyroid glands. Sometimes, surgery to remove part or all of your thyroid may be necessary, though you will likely need lifelong supplemental treatment or medication to supply your body with the necessary levels of hormones.
Benefits For The Extra Costs Of Disability
Personal Independence Payment , Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance are benefits to help you pay for the extra costs of having a disability, such as personal care and transport. However, you can choose how to spend the money.
PIP is for people aged 16-64 , DLA is for people under 16 , and AA is for people aged 65 or over. Some people over 16 are still getting DLA, but this is gradually being replaced by PIP for people aged 16 to 64.
You can get PIP, DLA or AA whether or not you are working, and they are not affected by any work you do. The benefits do not reduce any income-related benefits you get and may even increase the amount you can claim.
You may also be able to claim benefits because you cannot work or are on a low income.
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Compassionate Allowances And Thyroid Cancer
The Compassionate Allowance program was set up by the Social Security Administration to quickly grant disability benefits to individuals who have certain severe conditions. Anaplastic thyroid cancer is one of the conditions identified as a compassionate allowance. This type of cancer spreads quickly and is difficult to control. Possible symptoms of anaplastic thyroid cancer include a lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing and breathing, neck pain, changes in your voice, and swollen lymph nodes located in the neck. To qualify for benefits through this program, you must send a biopsy pathology report to the SSA that shows the presence of anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Symptoms Of Underactive Thyroid
Symptoms of hypothyroidism tend to come on slowly, and you may not notice themfor several years.
Possible early symptoms
Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland does not produce enough of the hormone thyroxine .
Autoimmune reaction
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune reaction, which means your bodys immune system makes antibodies that attack the cells of the thyroid gland, causing inflammation .
This inflammation, or thyroiditis, can result in a damaged thyroid gland that is not able to make enough thyroxine.
Hashimotos thyroiditis is an example of autoimmune hypothyroidism. It is associated with goitre and runs in families.
Autoimmune hypothyroidism is more common in people who already have another autoimmune disorder, such as type 1 diabetes or vitiligo.
Treatment for hyperthyroidism
The second most common cause of hypothyroidism is treatment for hyperthyroidism with medication, radioactive iodine or surgery. Surgery for hyperthyroidism completely removes the thyroid, so people having this operation will always need thyroxine.
Drug treatment for hyperthyroidism can cause your thyroid gland to become underactive, so you will need to either take a reduced dose of this or take thyroxine at the same time.
Other rare causes
Normal control of thyroid hormones
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Using The Five Step Process To Qualify For Ssd For Thyroid Disorders
Above, we mentioned that those who could not meet the SSAs criteria for thyroid disorder could still attempt to prove equivalency. In order to do this, you and your disability lawyer will need to use something called the Five Step Sequential Evaluation Process.
During this process, your job will be to provide evidence showing the SSA that you have been prevented from working for at least 12 calendar months due to the nature of your condition. If you are able to do this, you will win your claim and qualify for benefits. But it is not an easy path, so you want an experienced SSDI benefits attorney on your side.
Financial Costs Involved With The Treatment Of Hypothyroidism And Other Thyroid Gland Disorders
An individual can suffer from various thyroid disorders. The most common problems are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. According to Cost Helper, treatment of these conditions are generally covered by health insurance.
Even then there are prescription co-pays, co-pays for doctor visits, and coinsurance and deductibles costs related to hospitalizations, laboratory testing, and any required procedures or treatment plans.
For those who do not have health insurance, the cost of treatment can range from $15 to $100 per month and anywhere from $1,200 to $1,500 per year. The majority of the costs go toward the medications to treat the thyroid disorder.
Regular visits to the physician are required to have blood work done to determine the hormone levels and check if adjustments are required for the medication doses.
While many primary physicians treat thyroid disorders, sometimes you may be referred to an endocrinologist who focuses on thyroid issues and several other medical conditions. They will come up with a treatment plan focused on addressing your hormone levels and individual needs.
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Long Term Disability For Graves Disease
Long-term disability claims are evaluated using the definition of disability that is defined in the disability insurance policy. The definition of disability varies between policies. In some cases, the definition of disability changes after a certain period of time . You need to determine what the definition of disability is in your policy so that you know what medical information is needed to support your claim that Graves disease and your symptoms and limitations prevent you from working.
The residual functional capacity form can also be used as evidence in an LTD claim. The insurance company will still review your medical records and non-medical information while trying to make a decision about your ability to work, but a thoroughly completed RFC form can make a significant impact on the outcome of your case. Unlike most medical records, an RFC form will clearly state the severity of your impairments.
You Must Never Give Up
If you have been unfairly denied disability benefits, ask a lawyer who is Board Certified in Social Security Disability Law to help. If you need help right away, call us at our phones are open 24/7.
Learn even more about the claims process by reading our free, downloadable Social Security Disability ebook.
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Is Hashimotos A Disability That Qualifies You For Benefits
Hashimotos is an autoimmune disorder that can cause hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid function. Essentially, your immune system attacks your thyroid. When the thyroid is damaged it cant make enough hormones, which affects nearly every function of the body. This damage occurs when Hashimotos enters more advanced stages.
The Social Security Administration considers your diseases effects and other thyroid gland disorders when determining benefits. However, this condition alone wont qualify you for disability benefits. To get approved for monthly payments, be sure to list all health problems and symptoms you currently have on your claim. We recommend this because 62% of people approved for SSD list multiple health problems on their applications.
Social Security Disabling Conditions
The Social Security Administration awards Social Security Disability benefits based on the type of disabling condition the claimant is suffering from. These are conditions that affect an individuals ability to gain substantial employment. The SSA’s impairment listing manual, also known as the “Blue Book,” contains a list of these conditions. If you are suffering from one of these conditions, then you maybe eligible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income . Fill out your information to receive a free case evaluation. Start the disability benefits process today.
Here are a few examples of conditions that can qualify:
- Musculoskeletal issues, for example fractures to the back.
- Cardiovascular conditions, such as coronary artery disease or heart failure.
- Sense and voice difficulties, such as vision impairment and hearing loss.
- Breathing conditions, such as COPD.
In addition to the disabling conditions, the SSA also has a list of 88 conditions that automatically qualify for disability benefits under the Compassionate Allowances program. The Compassionate Allowances program is intended to expedite the application process for those with severe medical conditions.
Listed below are the Disabling Conditions recognized by the SSA. These are conditions listed in the Blue Book that may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
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Accommodating Employees With Thyroid Disorders
People with thyroid disorders may develop some of the limitations discussed below, but seldom develop all of them. Also, the degree of limitation will vary among individuals. Be aware that not all people who are aging will need accommodations to perform their jobs and many others may only need a few accommodations. The following is only a sample of the possibilities available. Numerous other accommodation solutions may exist.