When most people think of disabilities, they tend to think of those that can be physically seen, such as a missing limb or the use of an assistive device, such as a wheelchair. However, it is important for people to be aware that not all disabilities are clearly visible.
Hidden disabilities are not immediately apparent to others, and they are more common than you might think. Statistics suggest that 10% of the United States population has a medical condition that could be considered a type of invisible disability.
If you or someone you love has a hidden disability, you have probably experienced skepticism from others. You may even be struggling to obtain proper benefits from the state.
At The Law Place, we can help you obtain social security disability insurance and fight for the benefits you deserve to make your life a little easier.
Contact The Law Place at (941) 444-4444 for a free consultation.
What Is a Hidden Disability?
A hidden disability, sometimes referred to as an invisible disability, refers to a range of mental, physical, and neurological challenges that are not easily visible and impair everyday activities.
While nearly one in two people in the United States has a chronic medical condition, they are often not considered a hidden disability because it does not affect their everyday activities or ability to work.
The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) defines a hidden disability as
“symptoms such as debilitating pain, fatigue, dizziness, cognitive dysfunctions, brain injuries, learning differences, and mental health disorders, as well as hearing and vision impairments.”
This includes disabilities associated with cognitive disorders, extreme fatigue, and chronic pain that limits daily activities and functions.
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Common Types of Hidden Disabilities
The four most common types of hidden disabilities are:
1. Autoimmune Diseases
In most people, the body’s immune system protects them from invaders like bacteria and viruses. But if someone has an autoimmune disease, their body becomes confused and thinks that certain parts of the body are these invaders.
Scientists are still unsure about what exactly causes the body to attack itself, but autoimmune diseases are often hereditary. However, factors such as diet, infection, and chemical exposure are also possible causes.
One thing that is clear is that autoimmune conditions are disruptive and make day-to-day life exhausting.
When someone has an autoimmune disease, their body attacks healthy organs and tissues either in one area or throughout the entire body. There are over 80 different autoimmune diseases. A few examples are:
- Inflammatory bowel disease.
- Lupus.
- Type 1 diabetes.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
- Addison’s disease.
- Graves’ disease.
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Celiac disease.
- Psoriatic arthritis.
2. Mental Health Conditions
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), mental health conditions affect someone’s thoughts, feelings, behavior, or mood.
Mental health conditions are usually not visible but can drastically affect someone’s everyday activities and ability to hold down a job. They often make concentrating, remembering, and deciding things difficult, and while someone may look ‘normal,’ their condition can be debilitating.
Mental illnesses can include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Attention deficit disorder (ADD).
- Bipolar disorder.
- Schizoaffective disorder.
- Depression.
- Sleep disorders.
- Dissociative disorders.
- Anxiety disorders.
- Eating disorders.
3. Neurological Disorders
Neurological disorders affect millions of people. They are not always visible and can affect all areas of life.
Some neurological disorders are present from birth, while others can be caused by trauma, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI). TBIs can leave someone with long-term or permanent brain damage, which can affect behavior, mood, sleep, concentration, and more.
Common examples include:
- Alzheimer’s disease.
- Muscular dystrophy.
- Huntington’s disease.
- Gaucher’s disease.
- Stroke.
- Epilepsy.
- AIDS dementia.
- Vascular dementia.
- Brain tumors.
- Cerebral palsy.
4. Chronic Pain and Fatigue Disorders
People who suffer from chronic pain often also live with constant fatigue. Severe illness, chronic conditions, infections, mental illness, and autoimmune disorders can all cause chronic pain and fatigue.
Constant fatigue can make it impossible to focus and work in the same way as others. Some people deal with such a high degree of pain that they are unable to work at all. Conditions such as:
- Chronic tension headaches.
- Irritable bowel syndrome.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Fibromyalgia.
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain.
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
- Chronic fatigue syndrome.
Those With Hidden Disabilities Are Not Faking It
The conditions listed above are not exhaustive of hidden disabilities. Many people suffer from conditions that are not always obvious to those around them. Other examples could include:
- Asthma.
- Back injuries.
- Heart disease.
- Lyme disease.
- Auditory disabilities.
- Cancers.
- Lung disease.
- Learning disabilities.
Those suffering from a hidden disability often face unfair treatment. They may be accused of their symptoms being ‘all in their head.’ This can be incredibly painful and untrue.
If you have a hidden disability, then you should not have to convince everyone that you are suffering, and you should not have to downplay your condition. Invisible disabilities can be incredibly difficult to live with.
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Why Invisible Disabilities Matter
People with hidden disabilities can appear to function normally. As a result, it can be difficult for others to recognize their struggles and make appropriate adjustments where necessary.
It is also common for people not to seek out support. They could feel the stigma of others and may try to downplay how they really feel. This leads to a lack of assistance that could help them to live a more fulfilling or easier life. They might not even disclose their condition to an employer or family and friends for fear of discrimination.
Physical or emotional pain can seriously affect the way a person lives their everyday life, even if their condition is not immediately obvious. It is essential that people get the help and support they need and deserve. It’s not about giving people an advantage, but leveling the playing field and giving people an opportunity to live their life with more ease.
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Applying for Disability Benefits With a Hidden Disability
Disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) are designed to support people with impairments that affect daily living. Hidden disabilities can make it hard for people to take public transport, get to work, look after children, or do other daily functions. They can, therefore, qualify and benefit from disability benefits.
Although it is more challenging to obtain benefits for invisible benefits, you can qualify for benefits under the SSA blue book or through a residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment.
Qualifying Under the SSA Blue Book or Through RFC Analysis
If you have a formal diagnosis, and your condition is listed in the SSA’s blue book (a list of disabling conditions from the SSA), then you may qualify for benefits. Many chronic illnesses, chronic pain, and cognitive disorders are listed.
If your condition is not listed, then you may still be able to qualify for benefits through Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). This is a form completed by your doctor describing your inability to perform certain work-related tasks or to find and maintain employment. The SSA will then conduct an assessment of your ability to carry out daily tasks to determine the extent of your impairment.
Does Social Security Disability Cover Hidden Disabilities?
If your condition prevents you from working, you could be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
You probably qualify for SSDI if:
- You have paid enough into Social Security through work wages.
- You have a medical condition that prevents you from working.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict criteria for SSDI applications. You will need to show that your condition prevents you from working. Unfortunately, this is often more difficult for people with hidden disabilities.
Talk to The Law Place Today
If you are worried about getting disability benefits, then speak to a lawyer at The Law Place today. We are here to advocate for your rights and help you through the application process.
Don’t let other people’s opinions stop you from taking action. If your hidden disability is affecting your daily life, then you deserve help and support. Just because a condition cannot be seen does not mean that it is not extremely debilitating.
Whether you have a mental health condition, chronic pain and fatigue, an autoimmune disorder, a neurological disorder, or another chronic illness, we are here to help.
Contact us today for a free consultation to see if we can help. We offer free advice at no obligation to you, so you have nothing to lose.
Contact The Law Place today for a free consultation at (941) 444-4444.
Call or text 941-444-4444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form