Disability For Obesity

Is Obesity A Disability?

Obesity is referred to as an irregular and abnormal increase in the fat content in the body. Obesity can be caused by different environmental factors such as eating foods high in energy. Obesity can be a side effect of inactivity or a genetic condition that causes fat accumulation.    

Obesity will be considered a disability if you have an extreme physiological disorder.

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), obesity is a chronic ailment that involves a lot of complexities. Adults who suffer from obesity have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. Adults who are only overweight have a BMI ranging from 25 to 29.9. However, Adults who are morbidly obese have a BMI of 40 or more.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity is greater than 85% and less than 95% in children.  In adolescents, obesity is also increasing. Morbid obesity is more common in adults. However, it can also affect children and adolescents.

Obesity can cause a slew of health problems, including heart disease, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, several sorts of cancer, and other mental difficulties. Hypothyroidism, depression, narcolepsy, rheumatoid arthritis, and intellectual disabilities are among the issues that people who are overweight may suffer from. People who put on weight may have various degrees of disability ranging from chronic back pain to high blood pressure and other mobility difficulties.

Common Causes of Obesity

There are many causes of obesity. While some people may be genetically predisposed to being obese, the environment is also a significant factor.  Inactivity or a sedentary lifestyle

The following are some of the most common causes of obesity:

• Unhealthy food choices,
• Medications that have steroids may cause unnecessary weight gain,
• Inactivity or a sedentary lifestyle,
• Genetics,
• Social factors such as peer pressure and stress,
• Effects of other medical conditions,
• Lack of support from family and friends.

Can You Get A Disability for Obesity?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes a book which mentions the list of impairments. To qualify for disability, you would need to meet the eligibility criteria mentioned in the Blue Book. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may be available to you.

Obesity was formerly included in the blue book of impairments as a disability. However, after 1999, it was removed. This was done by SSA because many persons with obesity were able to engage in activities and generate significant gainful activity (SGA). However, obesity can be considered a disability in cases when individuals meet the following conditions:

• The disability is causing impairment and is limiting you from performing any of the activities.
• Obesity may lead to other disabilities.

SSA will analyze all the evidence you provided and will determine whether you are eligible for disability. If your obesity is not severe and you are still able to generate SGA, then you will likely not be considered disabled. It is important to note that SSA will also look at your age, education, and work experience when determining whether you can do any other type of work.

How to Apply for Benefits for Obesity?

It can be a challenging task to seek disability for obesity. It can be even more complicated when you do not satisfy any eligibility criteria mentioned in the blue book of the SSA.  When you are applying for benefits, you would need to prove that your obesity prevents you from performing any sort of SGA.

The SSA will examine all your evidence and will determine whether you are capable of doing any other type of work. They will also look at your age, education, and work experience when making this determination. If the SSA finds that you are not able to do any other type of work, then you will be approved for SSD benefits.

The type of evidence they will look at is:

• Your medical records: Your medical records play a vital role in proving your case. The SSA will want to see objective evidence of your obesity. This could include your BMI, weight, and any other relevant tests.
• Your work history: The SSA will also take a look at your work history to see if you have held steady jobs in the past. They will also want to see if your obesity has prevented you from working in the past.
• Your daily activities: The SSA will want to know how your obesity affects your daily activities. They will want to know if you are able to take care of yourself and perform basic tasks.

It is important to note that you would need to prove that your obesity is the reason you are unable to work.

You can apply for Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) online at a social security office near you, or in person at a local SSA office. You have 60 days to complete your application correctly and completely, which includes all required information from SSA. Your filing must be correct and thorough, as well as include all critical information demanded by SSA.

How to get a Disability through a Medical-Vocational Allowance?

If your weight is not causing any additional health problems, there is a solution for you to obtain benefits. SSA will evaluate your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC).  

RFC refers to what you are still able to do despite your limitations. If SSA finds that your RFC is limited and there are no jobs you can perform, based on your age, education, and work experience, then you may be eligible for benefits through a medical-vocational allowance.

To be eligible for a medical-vocational allowance, you must prove that your weight limits your ability to perform basic work activities. It is not enough to prove that your weight causes pain or fatigue. You must show that your weight limits your ability to stand, walk, sit, lift, carry, push, pull, or perform other similar physical activities.

In order to get a medical-vocational allowance, you must provide evidence from a treating physician or other medical professional that documents the severity of your weight and how it limits your ability to work.

If you are seeking disability for obesity, it is important to contact a Disability Lawyers in Ohio. They can help you navigate the process and increase your chances of being approved for benefits. They can also help you gather the necessary evidence and present your case in the most favorable light. Obesity can be a debilitating condition, and you should not have to go through the process alone.