Qualifying For Social Security Disability With Multiple Medical Conditions
Last updated on March 17, 2025
Some people become disabled due to a single, devastating illness or injury – but many others experience a gradual decline in their health, with medical conditions piling up until the combination becomes overwhelming.
Those who are disabled due to the complex interplay of multiple medical conditions have valid Social Security Disability (SSD) claims – but unfair denials are common. The Georgia SSD lawyers at Rogers, Hofrichter & Karrh, LLC, understand how to effectively present claims that involve multiple medical conditions at once – and can show how those conditions “meet or equal” the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) definition of disability.
How Multiple Medical Conditions Can Impact Your Ability To Work
It is not unusual for certain medical conditions to occur together, often because the issues stem from similar underlying biological, psychological and environmental factors. For example, people often suffer from:
- Diabetes and hypertension: Fatigue and difficulty concentrating due to fluctuating blood sugar levels or blood pressure can make it hard to concentrate on work, and the need for additional rest and frequent medical intervention can impact attendance.
- Depression and chronic pain: Chronic pain can have many sources, whether that is arthritis, a back injury or some kind of autoimmune disorder. The effect of that pain on someone’s quality of life can lead to severe depression that makes it impossible to focus on work – and the pain can lead to increased mobility issues that interfere with physical tasks.
- Autoimmune disorders and chronic fatigue: Many autoimmune disorders, such as lupus (SLE) or multiple sclerosis (MS), have chronic fatigue as a symptom. In addition to frequent flares of their condition, sufferers may have to contend with fatigue that is overwhelming to the point that they are chronically exhausted and unable to keep a regular schedule.
- Anxiety and depression: Mental health disorders can often occur in clusters since anxiety and depression often become cyclical problems that feed into each other. Alone, they can each be difficult to manage. Combined, they can be utterly debilitating and prevent someone from interacting with others or even leaving their home.
One of the biggest challenges faced by people with complex medical issues and multiple comorbid conditions is the fact that they do not easily fit into a single diagnostic code or a neat “box” that SSA can check off on a chart. This makes medical documentation and careful presentation of the claim exceptionally important.
Frequently Asked Questions About Multiple Disabilities And SSD
Here are some of the questions we hear most often from clients in this situation:
How do I prove that my multiple conditions are disabling?
Can I receive SSDI benefits for multiple conditions if I’m still able to work part-time?
Yes. Social Security Disability recipients are permitted to work part-time so long as they do not exceed the yearly limit on “Substantial Gainful Activity” (SGA). However, there are many intricate rules that apply to these situations. If you are still working part-time, it is best to discuss your situation with an experienced SSD attorney.
How do I ensure that all my medical conditions are considered in my SSDI claim?
You need to list each condition separately when you file your SSDI claim so that its impact on your ability to work can be considered together with all your other conditions. It is important to never assume that the limitations caused by any condition – even something like chronic pain – will be obvious to the disability examiner. You have to spell out your limitations very carefully and explain how each condition affects your ability to function.
Can I appeal a denied SSD claim if I have multiple conditions?
Absolutely. Many valid SSD claims are initially denied for one reason or another, particularly when multiple conditions are in play. A dedicated SSD attorney can help present your case for benefits in a cohesive manner during a reconsideration request or at a hearing in front of an administrative law judge (ALJ).
Get The Legal Assistance You Need – And The SSDI Benefits You Deserve
When you are applying for disability due to multiple medical conditions, call Rogers, Hofrichter & Karrh, LLC, for help. We can be reached via email or at 770-884-6705. Consultations are free, and we have offices in Atlanta, Cartersville and Fayetteville for your convenience.