Español
Long COVID can cause symptoms that continue for months after the original COVID-19 infection. Common symptoms include severe fatigue, shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating or “brain fog,” headaches, dizziness, muscle or joint pain, sleep problems, and worsening symptoms after physical or mental activity.
Long COVID may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), but a diagnosis alone is not enough. Although Long COVID is one of the common disabilities that can qualify for SSDI benefits, you must prove that your symptoms prevent you from maintaining substantial work activity and that your limitations have lasted, or are expected to last, for at least 12 continuous months. Experienced social security disability lawyers can help you understand the evidence Social Security requires and guide you through the disability claims process.
How Does Social Security Evaluate Long COVID?
Social Security does not have a specific disability listing for Long COVID. Instead, it considers which body systems are affected and whether the condition meets or medically equals another listing, such as one involving respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, immune system, or mental health disorders.
If no listing applies, Social Security will evaluate your residual functional capacity—the most you can still do despite your medical conditions. Long COVID may affect your ability to:
- Stand, walk, lift, or perform other physical activities
- Concentrate, remember instructions, or remain on task
- Maintain an acceptable work pace
- Complete a full workday without excessive breaks; or
- Attend work regularly without frequent absences
Social Security must also consider Long COVID, together with any other medical conditions you have. In most instances, our clients with Long COVID are also experiencing other health complications or diagnoses in addition to Long COVID.
What Evidence Is Important?
Medical documentation is especially important in Long COVID cases. Helpful evidence may include:
- Records of the original COVID-19 infection
- Consistent complaints of continuing symptoms
- Examination findings and diagnostic testing
- Treatment from primary-care providers and specialists
- Documentation of post-exertional symptom flare-ups
- Records showing unsuccessful treatment attempts
- Medical opinions describing specific physical and mental work limitations.
Your medical records should explain not only what symptoms you experience, but also how frequently they occur and how they interfere with your ability to function. For example, your providers should document whether you require frequent rest, cannot sustain activity, experience cognitive difficulties, or would likely miss work because of your symptoms.
Are Long COVID Disability Claims Difficult to Win?
In our firm’s experience, Long COVID cases can be difficult to win because there is generally no single objective test that conclusively establishes the diagnosis or measures the severity of the condition. Laboratory tests and imaging may be normal even when a person reports significant fatigue, cognitive problems, or other disabling symptoms.
For that reason, a consistent treatment history outlining significant and ongoing limitations is extremely important. Applicants should regularly discuss their symptoms, activity limitations, post-exertional flare-ups, and inability to function with their medical providers. Gaps in treatment or in medical records that contain only general complaints can make a claim more difficult to prove.
Although Long COVID claims present challenges, benefits may be awarded when the medical evidence consistently documents severe symptoms and explains why those symptoms prevent the individual from maintaining full-time employment.
If Long COVID is preventing you from working, contact The Injury and Disability Law Center for a free consultation. Our experienced Social Security disability lawyers can review your medical history, work history, and current limitations to help determine whether you may qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits. Contact us today at 575-300-4000 to discuss your claim and learn how we can help.
