It’s common to think of Social Security Disability benefits as something you apply for because of one serious health condition, but in reality, many people live with more than one. Chronic pain, mental health challenges, and other illnesses often overlap, creating a bigger impact on your ability to work than any single condition would on its own.
If you’re applying for disability benefits and have multiple medical issues, you might be wondering:
- Does Social Security look at each condition separately?
- Can having more than one disability improve my chances of being approved?
- What do I need to do differently in the application process?
Let’s break it down.
Is it common to have more than one disability when applying?
Yes, it’s very common. In fact, many disability claims involve multiple impairments. Social Security understands that your overall ability to work isn’t always about one diagnosis. It’s about the combined effect of all your conditions on your ability to perform work-related activities.
How does the process look different?
If you have multiple medical conditions, the process isn’t necessarily longer or more complicated, but it does require more thorough documentation. Social Security will:
- Evaluate each condition individually to see if it meets or equals one of their “listed impairments.”
- Consider the combined effect of all your conditions on your ability to perform work. Even if none of your impairments alone is considered disabling, the combination of them might be.
For example, a back injury might limit your ability to lift heavy objects. Anxiety might make it difficult to handle stressful work situations. Neither condition on its own might qualify, but together, they could make it impossible to maintain full-time employment.
Does having more than one condition improve your chances?
It can, but only if you clearly show how the conditions interact and affect your ability to work. Social Security isn’t simply counting diagnoses; they’re looking at functional limitations. That means you need strong, detailed medical evidence for each condition, including:
- Doctor’s notes and medical records
- Results from diagnostic tests
- Statements about your symptoms and daily challenges
Tips for building a strong claim with multiple conditions
- List every condition you have, even those you think are minor. They might be more significant when combined with others.
- Keep up with all medical treatment and follow your providers’ recommendations.
- Be specific when describing your limitations in forms and at your hearing. Explain how your conditions work together to impact your daily life.
At Roose Ressler & Green Co., LPA, we understand that living with multiple health conditions can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to navigate the Social Security Disability system. We can help gather the right evidence, present your case clearly, and make sure Social Security sees the full picture of your health.
If you have questions about applying for benefits, we’re here to guide you. Contact us today to set up a free initial consultation.