The effects of HIV/AIDS on every facet of your life is indisputable. When you are no longer able to work at your job because of the symptoms of the disease and the side-effects of the needed medications, you might want to apply for Social Security benefits. This monthly government benefit program is aimed at those with serious illnesses. Read on to find out more about your ability to be covered for HIV/AIDS.
A Covered Illness
Up until recently, the Social Security Administration (SSA) did not explicitly recognize HIV/AIDS as a covered illness. Instead, coverage was gained using a combination of medical evidence and an assessment known as residual functioning capacity (RFC). While HIV/AIDS is now listed in the blue book, it can still be a real challenge to be approved for benefits.
Proving That You are Disabled
The SSA has multiple requirements for proving that you are eligible for benefits and that is true regardless of the medical condition you have. For HIV/AIDS, showing medical proof of the disease is of primary
importance. The manner of evaluating your medical evidence falls into two categories and both must be satisfied:
1. Medical evidence
2. Specific medical conditions
Medical Evidence
The SSA needs verification from a doctor in addition to corroborating diagnostic test results. Some of these tests might include:
and others
In addition to the above lab tests, you can also prove you have this disorder using your medication. Proof of taking commonly-prescribed HIV/AIDS medications may be acceptable to the SSA. The SSA will review your medical records, diagnostic test results, doctors notes and letters, and more to help you prove your disorder.
Specific Medical Conditions
The other part of the requirement is proof that you are suffering from any one of a number of HIV/AIDS-related disorders. Some of those include several types of cancer, Kaposi sarcoma, Castleman disease, and more. Other forms of proof include hospitalizations for HIV/AIDS issues, dramatic weight loss, repeated infections, and more. It should be emphasized that only one form of proof is needed in the specific medical conditions category, not all of them.
Seeking Help With a Denial
If you are turned down for benefits, it's vital that you not give up the fight. You may just need to appeal the ruling at a hearing. Legal help for the appeal is highly advised and Social Security attorneys understand the complex set of rules that HIV/AIDS sufferers must comply with. Speak to an attorney if you have been denied the SSA benefits you need and deserve as a result of your illness.
Share15 January 2019
Over the years, I have learned several lessons the most difficult ways possible. One lesson that I have learned is to never try to handle legal issues without legal representation working with you. I have faced fines and penalties that could have been greatly reduced had I hired an attorney to represent me in court. This blog will show you several ways you could benefit from paying for the legal fees associated with hiring an attorney anytime a legal issue may arise. You will also find examples of how things can go terribly wrong if you don't hire an attorney.
