The Social Security Administration (SSA) no longer considers obesity alone as a qualifying impairment or disorder for awarding a Social Security Disability Insurance (claim). However, if obesity creates a serious impairment in your ability to function or contributes to your impairment or qualifying disability, it is important to include obesity as a factor when filing your claim.
Obesity is not a subjective condition. Medical professionals determine whether a patient suffers from obesity based on a variety of factors, including weight in relation to height and percentage of body fat. If your doctor diagnoses you as obese, the medical effects on your impairment will be evaluated by the Social Security Administration. SSA requires the disability panel to consider whether the effects of obesity prevent the claimant from working in gainful employment. Therefore, it is important that you can show a history of medical treatment for your condition.
Obesity alone is not considered a qualifying impairment for SSDI benefits, but it is an important consideration when the disability board is considering all factors that determine whether your claim is approved.
Learn more about filing a successful SSDI claim for obesity and related impairments by talking to a member on the Social Security law team at Berger and Green, in Pittsburgh. We have helped many thousands of residents of Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio obtain the SSDI and SSI benefits they need and deserve.
We Will Help You, Not Judge You
If you are a life-long obesity patient, you already know how difficult it can be to discuss with strangers. Obesity and related conditions are a disability, not a character flaw. We treat every client with respect and dignity. Each case is handled by a Social Security claims professional who will do everything possible to help your initial claim get approved, or your denied claim successfully appealed for approval.
Free Consultation · No Attorneys' Fees If Your Claim Is Not Approved
From our main office in Pittsburgh, our attorneys provide SSDI and SSI services for clients throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio. Contact us to arrange a consultation with one of our experienced Pittsburgh obesity disability lawyers today.
