The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a great deal of difficulty for nearly everyone in the United States. Around 79 million people in the U.S. have been infected with the virus, and around 950,000 have died. Unfortunately, many people who have recovered from infections are continuing to experience serious symptoms that affect their daily lives. These issues are common enough that they have become known as “long Covid,” and those who suffer from serious symptoms often struggle to maintain employment and complete other daily tasks. While conditions that are serious enough to prevent a person from working may qualify them for disability benefits from Social Security, many have had trouble receiving these benefits.

Problems With Social Security Disability Claims for Covid Long Haulers

Covid infections can have a number of long-term effects. Those who became seriously ill, were placed on ventilators, and experienced issues such as organ failure or bleeding in the brain have often been able to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. However, others who experienced less severe symptoms following an infection have had trouble demonstrating that they meet the requirements for total disability.

Symptoms of long Covid often include extreme fatigue in which a person becomes exhausted even after performing minor physical activities. Many have also experienced issues such as shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, heart palpitations, chest pain, and pain in the muscles and joints. In many cases, long Covid also involves “brain fog” in which people struggle to think clearly, concentrate, and remember information. 

There are a variety of physical issues that can result in a person suffering pain and discomfort, affecting their ability to perform daily tasks and maintain employment. Injuries or disorders that affect the back and spine can be especially difficult to cope with, and they may lead to chronic pain, limitations on the types of movements a person can perform, or even paralysis in certain parts of the body. In some cases, back and spine disorders may be so severe that they prevent a person from working and completing other daily tasks that will allow them to care for themselves and address their ongoing needs. Those who suffer from these conditions may be able to receive disability benefits through Social Security, and they will need to understand the requirements they will need to meet to qualify for financial assistance.

Disability Benefits for Musculoskeletal Disorders Affecting the Spine

A person will be considered to be disabled if they meet the requirements defined in the Listing of Impairments provided by Social Security. These listings address multiple types of physical and mental conditions, including disorders of the spine and back. Most musculoskeletal disorders affecting the spine fall under the classification of “disorders of the skeletal spine resulting in compromise of nerve roots.” 

Back and spine disorders that may be included in this classification include degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis/spondylosis, slipped or herniated discs, dislocations of joints in the spine, or fractured vertebrae. When these issues place pressure on the spinal cord, they may lead to ongoing pain, loss of sensation, or partial paralysis. To demonstrate that these issues have led to a disability, a person will need to provide documentation of all of the following:

If you have experienced a serious illness or injury that has affected your ability to earn an income, you will want to determine your options for receiving financial assistance. If your injury or illness is severe enough to be considered a total disability, meaning that it has lasted or will last for at least one year and has affected your ability to earn enough income to support yourself, you may be able to receive Social Security disability benefits. Applying for these types of benefits can be a complicated process, and in many cases, disability claims may be denied. However, the denial of benefits does not mean that receiving financial assistance is impossible, and applicants may be able to pursue an appeal that will help them receive the benefits they deserve.

The Social Security Disability Appeals Process

When appealing the denial of Social Security disability benefits, a person will need to do the following:

1. Request reconsideration - An applicant can begin the appeals process by asking for their application to be reviewed. If an application was denied due to medical reasons, a Social Security official who did not participate in the original decision will review the claim, and they may consider the medical evidence that was originally submitted, as well as any new evidence submitted by the applicant.

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