Can I Claim Social Security Benefits If I Have an Infrequent or Intermittent Condition?

Intermittent or infrequent medical conditions are challenging to deal with as their symptoms may unpredictably flare up. It could thus suddenly prevent you from performing daily tasks and going to work.

You thus probably wonder if you can claim disability benefits to receive financial help for intermittent health problems. The symptoms could come and go, so you worry that the Social Security Administration (SSA) would deny your disability claim.

Thankfully, the agency may approve your disability benefits application for an intermittent medical condition. You only have to remember a few crucial points for a successful claim in your unique case.

SSA General Requirements for Disability Benefits

The SSA has a few general requirements when approving disability benefits applications. Regardless if you have a continuous or an intermittent health problem, your condition must:

• Prevent you from performing simple daily activities like household chores and taking care of yourself
• Prevent you from working full-time and earning sufficient income
• Have lasted or expected to last for at least 12 months or cause death

You may thus qualify for benefits if your health issue prevents you from consistently working full-time for at least 12 months.

For example, suppose you can’t work when your condition flares up because you experience excessive pain and movement difficulties. You may also need to take some time off from work for treatment and to rest. You may qualify for disability insurance if this intermittent condition has already lasted or will last for at least one year.

Consulting a Glendale Social Security benefits lawyer will help determine if you may claim benefits for your intermittent medical condition.

Qualifying an Infrequent or Intermittent Condition for Disability Claim

As mentioned above, the SSA has a few requirements when approving disability benefits claims. Here’s how you can qualify your intermittent health problem:

1. Check the Blue Book Listing

The SSA uses the Blue Book to qualify medical conditions as disabilities, which contains various listings corresponding to particular conditions.

For example, listing 4.0 outlines the criteria for cardiovascular disorders, and 7.0 is for blood disorders. You need to meet the specific requirements for your condition to qualify for disability benefits.

2. Fill out a Residual Functional Capacity Form

You may still qualify through the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) analysis, even if you don’t meet the Blue Book criteria. You only have to fill out an RFC form with your physician to prove the limitations you experience because of your condition.

For example, the RFC form may indicate that you can’t work as a driver because you may suddenly lose consciousness.

3. Collect Sufficient Evidence

You also must gather sufficient evidence to prove you meet the SSA disability qualifications. Vital documents you need include:

• Medical documents like medical reports, laboratory test results, prescriptions, pharmacy receipts, and medical bills
• Employment records proving you frequently need to take some time off work
• Witness statements from your employer, coworkers, and family that prove your debilitating condition

Moreover, remember that you should keep your evidence fresh and updated, so replace old documents every six months. Ask a Glendale Social Security benefits lawyer to know the helpful documents needed for your unique case.

Social Security Benefits Attorney in Glendale to Help Qualify Intermittent or Infrequent Conditions for Disability Insurance

Claiming benefits for intermittent or infrequent medical conditions is challenging as you need to meet the strict SSA requirements.

You should thus remember the points above when claiming disability benefits for your complex medical condition. Hiring a Glendale Social Security benefits lawyer will also help you get the best outcomes from your application.