Sometimes a person can suffer from several illnesses or injuries all at once. Perhaps, on their own, just one of these illnesses or injuries would not suffice to disable the person. But when they are combined together, they do disable the person to the point that they are unable to work, despite their best efforts. For example, a person could have a physical impairment, such as a respiratory or cardiovascular problem, and also have a mental impairment such as depression or anxiety.
The cumulative effect of having more than one disability can affect a person’s day-to-day life. This is especially true when the condition flares-up or reoccurs. A person may have to take a lot of time off of work, and may also deal with worsening symptoms at times. When multiple disorders combine, it can make it so that holding down a job is simply no longer feasible.
However, it is not always easy to qualify for Social Security disability benefits based on having more than one impairment. In these cases, the applicant needs to determine what percentage of their total disability each impairment has on them, and this must be supported by documentation. Since many applications for disability benefits are denied the first time around, it is especially important that applicants with multiple impairments present the best possible case.
That being said, having the assistance of an attorney familiar with handling disability benefit applications for those with multiple impairments can make the difference between receiving benefits and having one’s application denied. Moreover, an attorney can provide his or her clients with an honest assessment of their case, and an attorney can represent their client throughout the appeals process if it comes to that. The legal team at the Disability Advantage Group, are experienced in such matters, and have helped many Knoxville residents apply for and receive benefits. The firm’s webpage on multiple disorders may help those who want to learn more about this topic.