Types of Disabilities and How Attorneys Handle Them

Physical Disabilities

Physical disabilities include conditions such as injuries, diseases, and impairments that affect your ability to move or function normally. These can include:

• Back and Neck Injuries
• Amputations
• Chronic Pain
• Heart Disease
• Respiratory Conditions

How Attorneys Handle Physical Disabilities: An SSD attorney handling physical disabilities will focus on gathering medical evidence that shows how your condition prevents you from performing basic work tasks. This often involves working with medical professionals to obtain detailed records of treatments, tests, surgeries, and any limitations caused by the condition. Attorneys may also consult with vocational experts to demonstrate that you can no longer perform your previous job or any other work due to the severity of your physical disability.

Mental and Psychological Disabilities

Mental disabilities can include conditions such as:

• Depression
• Anxiety Disorders
• Bipolar Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

How Attorneys Handle Mental Disabilities: When handling cases involving mental health disorders, attorneys work closely with mental health professionals to ensure comprehensive documentation of the disability. This may include psychological evaluations, treatment history, and opinions from psychiatrists or psychologists on how the condition impacts your ability to work. Since mental conditions are often harder to quantify than physical ones, an attorney will be meticulous in presenting evidence that demonstrates how the disability limits your daily activities and job performance.

Neurological Disabilities

Neurological conditions include a variety of brain and nervous system disorders, such as:

• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Epilepsy
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Stroke

How Attorneys Handle Neurological Disabilities: An attorney handling a neurological disability will seek detailed medical records showing the progression of the condition and its impact on the individual’s cognitive and physical functioning. They may consult neurologists or other specialists to ensure that the medical evidence is up-to-date and provides a clear picture of the disability’s severity. In cases like these, an attorney may also present testimony from caregivers or family members to demonstrate how the disability affects daily living and the ability to maintain employment.

Cancer and Other Chronic Illnesses

Cancer and other chronic illnesses such as:

• Cancer (various types)
• HIV/AIDS
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Liver Disease

How Attorneys Handle Cancer and Chronic Illnesses: Attorneys managing claims related to cancer or chronic illnesses will emphasize the long-term nature of the condition and its treatment. This includes gathering records about chemotherapy, surgeries, hospitalizations, and the overall prognosis. In cases of chronic illness, the attorney will present how ongoing treatments and symptoms limit the claimant’s ability to work. This may involve working with medical professionals who can explain the impact of the illness on daily life and long-term functionality.

Musculoskeletal Disabilities

Musculoskeletal disabilities involve conditions that affect bones, muscles, and joints, including:

• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Joint Replacements
• Fibromyalgia

How Attorneys Handle Musculoskeletal Disabilities: Attorneys representing individuals with musculoskeletal disabilities will gather evidence showing the severity of the condition, such as X-rays, MRIs, and doctor opinions about how the condition limits mobility and physical functioning. They may work with medical professionals to establish how pain or limited movement makes it impossible for the individual to engage in substantial gainful activity.