If you have lymphedema and it prevents your from working, you might consider claiming Social Security Disability benefits. If you mention it to someone in Oklahoma, they might tell you to look to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Blue Book for guidance. The SSA is the government agency that handles disability benefits claims. Their Blue Book is where they lay out the information needed for specific qualifying illnesses or disabilities. However, when you look, you will not find lymphedema listed.
That does not mean you cannot file a claim, although it will be more challenging. Firstly, you need to meet the basic requirements. To get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need to have worked for a certain period and paid sufficient Social Security tax. Secondly, your disability needs to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. While many people have lymphedema, it is not always severe enough to prevent them from holding down a job.
If you meet these conditions, you may be able to make a claim in one of these ways:
- If you developed lymphedema due to cancer treatment, you might be able to claim under the appropriate cancer listing.
- Alternatively, you may be able to file under Blue Book listing 1.02 for Major Dysfunction of a Joint if your lymphedema causes you problems using an arm or leg.
- Others have claimed under listing 4.11 Chronic Venous Insufficiency. Both can cause severe swelling of the leg. You are sometimes allowed to claim under a different ailment with similar symptoms if yours is not listed.
An experienced Oklahoma Social Security Disability benefits attorney can evaluate your chances of filing a successful claim and find the best way to do it.