For many people living with a disability, their condition causes profound effects on the rest of their body over time. For example, if you hurt your right knee, you will likely put more pressure on your left knee when you walk. Eventually, your “good” knee could become painful too.
Secondary disabilities can further limit your quality of life, not to mention your ability to continue earning an income. It is important that you provide a complete picture of your health – including any secondary conditions – when applying for Social Security Disability Insurance or appealing a denied claim.
Obesity as a secondary disability
Obesity is one such secondary disability for many disabled people in Georgia, which is not surprising. A condition that limits your ability to exercise or even move around the way you used to will contribute to weight gain, as can the side effects of certain medications. Of course, obesity is a serious health problem that can lead to hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Doctors in Texas recently announced a research trial in which they are looking for ways to help traumatic brain injury (TBI) victims who developed obesity as a result. Standard treatment for obesity may not be possible for many people living with TBI, due to reduced coordination, energy level, personality changes and other common symptoms.
The hope is that active intervention as part of patients’ recovery can reduce the risk of obesity before it happens, or help obese patients lose weight while also working to reduce the effects of their head injury.
Help getting approved for SSDI in Georgia
While you are working with your doctors to heal as much as possible, you are also adjusting to your new normal. If you are unable to work due to your condition and have a certain level of work history, you may qualify for Social Security Insurance benefits to help you make ends meet. A conversation with an experienced SSD attorney in Georgia can help answer your questions.
