Do you have a serious condition that’s difficult to prove on paper? Getting Social Security benefits for an invisible disability can feel like an uphill battle. You know how your symptoms affect your life, but the system demands more than just your word. Without strong documentation, even a valid claim can fail. A disability lawyer can help you present the full picture and give you a better shot at getting approved.
What Are Invisible Disabilities?
Invisible disabilities are conditions that affect how people function but are not visible to others. These disabilities include conditions like chronic pain, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, fibromyalgia, and certain neurological or autoimmune disorders. People with these physical or mental impairments might appear healthy on the outside but struggle with serious limitations that make it difficult to work or carry out daily tasks.
Because invisible disabilities have no obvious physical markers, people with these conditions often face doubts or misunderstandings from others. Social Security does not require disabling conditions to be visible, but it does require medical proof in order to meet the Social Security Administration’s standards. That means applicants must show how their symptoms impact their ability to work to obtain Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for invisible disabilities.
Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits with an Invisible Disability
You must show that your condition prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months to get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Invisible disabilities qualify if they meet that standard, but the application process can be more difficult without visible evidence.
You need detailed records from doctors, therapists, and other healthcare providers to support your Social Security disability claim. If your condition doesn’t meet a specific listing in Social Security’s “Blue Book,” you must prove that it limits you as much as a listed condition would. You may also need to attend a consultative exam (CE) if the Social Security Administration requests it.
How to Demonstrate an Invisible Disability
Social Security needs more than just your word as proof of your invisible disability. You must provide medical evidence from licensed professionals who have diagnosed and treated your condition. That might include test results, treatment notes, prescription records, and statements from doctors about your ability to function.
You should also provide evidence about how your condition affects your daily routine. They include factors such as how long you can concentrate, how often you miss work, or how effectively you manage stress. Statements from people who know you, such as family or coworkers, can support your claim, too. The clearer and consistent your records are, the stronger your case will be as it moves through the Social Security disability process.
How Can Our Disability Attorneys Help?
If you apply for Social Security benefits based on a disability that isn’t obvious to others, you’ll need strong evidence and a smart legal approach to get approved. That’s where the attorneys at Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons come in.
Our law firm has handled thousands of disability cases across Oklahoma, and we know how to build clear and thorough claims that yield results. When you hire us, you’ll work directly with one of our attorneys who will take time to understand your condition and how it limits your life. We’ll answer all your questions, keep you updated, and fight for the full SSDI benefits or SSI benefits you’ve earned.
Contact Our SSDI Lawyers to Learn More
If you need help proving a Social Security claim, don’t wait to get trusted legal guidance. The team at Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons can review your case, explain your options, and answer your questions at no cost. Contact our Oklahoma City Social Security disability lawyers now for your free, no-obligation consultation to learn how we can help you move forward.
