Is obesity a disabling condition?
Published on April 11th, 2018 by Eric Slepian
The Social Security Administration defines a disabling condition as a mental or physical impairment that is expected to last for at least 12 continuous months. The condition must be medically determinable and prevent a person from engaging in substantial gainful activity.
People who suffer from obesity might therefore assume that it fits these criteria – but that assumption is usually not true.
Obesity on its own may not provide an adequate basis for disability benefits, unless it prevents a person from doing any job and is expected to cause death or last for at least a year. However, obesity is a common side effect or precursor to other conditions that could qualify as disabling.
Obesity as a consequence of other conditions
Obesity can accompany or result from serious health conditions like paralysis and amputation, as these can severely restrict a person’s mobility. Additionally, illnesses involving chronic pain or depression can make it difficult for a person to pursue certain exercise and dietary solutions to obesity.
Obesity as a risk factor
Obesity can put people at risk of developing potentially disabling conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers.
Obesity as a genetic condition
There are genetic conditions for which obesity is a main characteristic. For instance, Prader-Willi syndrome is a condition that leads to chronic overeating, weak muscle tone and obesity. While rare, these disorders can be disabling.
Examining your options
Obesity is a complicated condition that varies from person to person. This is why it is all but impossible to know for sure if obesity or any accompanying conditions will provide a basis for disability benefits without specific guidance.
To determine if you qualify for disability benefits due to conditions involving obesity, you can consult a Social Security Disability attorney in Arizona. Doing so can help you avoid costly assumptions or missteps that put your financial future in jeopardy.
