
EDS qualifies for disability in some situations, but the SSA doesn’t have a specific listing for it. That means your claim has to show that your symptoms are severe enough to keep you from working. It’s possible to qualify, but it takes the right medical evidence.
If you have EDS and you’re considering filing for disability, the North Carolina Social Security Disability lawyers at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can help you build a case that meets the SSA’s requirements. We’ve served over 10,000 clients and are prepared to provide the experienced help you deserve.
Let’s take a closer look at whether EDS qualifies for disability and what an attorney from our team can do to help you.
How the SSA Evaluates EDS Claims
If you’re asking yourself, “Does EDS qualify for disability?”, you should learn more about how the SSA evaluates Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) disability claims. Since there’s no specific listing for EDS in the SSA’s Blue Book, your claim gets evaluated under related listings.
Depending on your symptoms, the SSA might look at it under the listings for connective tissue disorders, inflammatory arthritis, or disorders of the spine. If your symptoms match the criteria for one of those listings, you can qualify that way.
If your EDS doesn’t fit neatly into an existing listing, the SSA can still approve your claim through what’s called a medical-vocational allowance. This is where they look at your age, education, work history, and residual functional capacity to determine whether there’s any job you can realistically do given your limitations. If the answer is no, you qualify.
Either way, the SSA is going to want detailed medical documentation. They’ll want to see records from your doctors, test results, and, ideally, a residual functional capacity form that shows what you can and can’t do physically. Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can help you organize these pieces of evidence and file a strong claim for benefits.
EDS Symptoms That May Qualify You for Disability
EDS affects people differently depending on the type and severity. However, the SSA cares about one thing: whether your symptoms prevent you from holding a job. The symptoms that carry the most weight in a disability claim are the ones that limit what you can physically or mentally do on a consistent basis.
Common EDS symptoms that come up in successful claims include:
- Chronic joint pain
- Frequent dislocations or subluxations
- Fatigue severe enough to interfere with daily activity
- Limited mobility or difficulty standing, walking, or sitting for extended periods
- Skin fragility and slow wound healing
- Gastrointestinal problems like nausea, bloating, or gastroparesis
- Cardiovascular issues, including POTS or other forms of dysautonomia
- Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
Your claim needs to document how these symptoms affect your ability to work, how long you can sit, how often you need to rest, whether you can lift things, and whether you can focus through a full workday. That’s the information the SSA is looking for.
Reach out to Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC to get started on your claim. We’ll talk to you about your symptoms, provide more information on whether EDS can qualify for disability, and answer any questions you have.
Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me (828) 286-3866
Why EDS Claims Get Denied
EDS claims often get denied because the SSA doesn’t have a dedicated listing for it. That means the burden is on you to connect the dots between your diagnosis and your inability to work. Here are the most common reasons EDS disability claims get denied:
- The medical records don’t document symptoms consistently over time
- No residual functional capacity form from a treating physician
- The SSA decides you can still do sedentary work despite your limitations
- The claim relies on a diagnosis alone without evidence of functional limitations
- Gaps in treatment that signal to the SSA that the condition isn’t as serious as it is
A denial doesn’t mean you don’t qualify. It usually means the paperwork didn’t make the case clearly enough. That’s something that can be fixed on appeal. Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can help with your appeal and fight for the benefits you deserve. Contact us to find out if EDS qualifies for disability and get skilled guidance from a trusted attorney.
How a Lawyer Can Help With Your EDS Disability Claim
EDS cases are harder to win without legal help because there’s no straightforward Blue Book listing to refer to when putting your claim together. A Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC disability attorney knows how to build a claim around a condition the SSA doesn’t have a listing for. Here’s what we can do to get the benefits you deserve:
- Consult with you for a free case evaluation and explain whether EDS qualifies for disability benefits
- Identify which Blue Book listings your symptoms fall under
- Get your doctors to fill out RFC forms that describe your specific limitations
- Gather specialist records from rheumatologists, geneticists, and other providers the SSA takes seriously
- Fill gaps in your medical documentation
- Handle the appeal if your initial claim is denied
- Prepare you for an ALJ hearing if necessary
If you are dealing with this condition and are asking yourself, “Does EDS qualify for disability?”, we have an answer. Schedule a free case evaluation with our team to find out if you should move forward with a claim and get the help you need to increase your chances of getting benefits.
Learn More About Whether EDS Qualifies for Disability Benefits
Does EDS qualify for disability benefits? The answer isn’t strictly yes or no. It depends on how your condition impacts you and your ability to earn a living. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, reach out to our team to get straightforward guidance.
Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC will meet with you to discuss your situation, explain your options, and help you take the first step towards benefits. Schedule a free case evaluation with us to get started on your case.