Social Security Disability for Obesity in Detroit
Being obese or morbidly obese can make it impossible to work. If you or someone you love is no longer able to work because of obesity, Social Security disability benefits could offset some of that lost income.
But obesity—defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, or morbid obesity, having a BMI of 40 or greater—will not be enough to qualify you for Social Security disability benefits on its own.
You’ll need to show Social Security that obesity is the reason you can’t work. Or you’ll need to demonstrate through medical evidence that your obesity has led to one or more other conditions that Social Security considers to be disabling.
Most people are initially denied benefits. But often, you can win benefits with help from an experienced lawyer.
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Documentation You Need for Your Disability Application
There’s no magic number for your weight or BMI that will determine your eligibility for benefits.
Instead, the decision will be based largely on a review of your medical records.
When you apply for disability benefits for obesity, you’ll need to provide this information:
- Names of doctors or other medical providers who have treated you for obesity
- Any other medical conditions you have
- Medical records showing your doctor’s office visits
- Records of tests your doctors ordered to diagnose your condition
- Notes from physical therapy sessions, if applicable
- Any other relevant information.
You’ll also need to provide information about your job history, training and experience.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will consider this information along with your medical information.
It will look at how obesity limits you from performing the basic functions needed in a job, such as standing, sitting, stooping, bending, lifting, carrying, pushing, and the ability to work with your hands.
If the SSA finds that your obesity is a “severe” impairment that significantly limits your ability to do basic activities, it may determine that obesity alone is grounds for approving your claim for disability benefits.
How Obesity Adds to Other Health Conditions
Even if your obesity is deemed “non-severe,” you may still qualify for disability benefits if your obesity, combined with other conditions, significantly impairs your ability to work.
Obesity often goes along with many other health conditions. These include sleep apnea, diabetes, heart disease or arthritis.
Obesity can also affect the respiratory system and the vascular system. And it can cause depression and other mental impairments.
Get Help with Your Disability Claim for Obesity
The application and appeals processes for obesity disability benefits is time-consuming, confusing and difficult to navigate on your own.
The good news is that people who use professional representation when they apply for Social Security disability benefits have been shown to have a greater chance of winning benefits.
At Levine Benjamin Law Firm, we’ve helped more than 80,000 people win benefits since 1964.
We’ve helped many people with obesity and other physical and mental disabilities win the disability benefits they’re entitled to receive.
If you, or someone you love, wants to learn more about Social Security disability and obesity, contact Levine Benjamin today to schedule a free review of your case.
From applying to appealing, we help you every step of the way.