Yes, EDS will be termed as a disability if it has severe signs and symptoms that prevent you from working.
You may also be eligible for EDS disability benefits if you have severe EDS symptoms.
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of multiple genetic disorders that affect the connective tissues in your body, responsible for giving your body structure strength and elasticity. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome affects the skin, joints, and blood vessel walls and is characterized by highly flexible joints and delicate skin. The circulatory system Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a serious type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome that affects the body’s blood vessels.
Suppose you have EDS and cannot function due to serious symptoms (given below). In that case, you could be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits (SSI).
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Symptoms
Because of their increased flexibility, people with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome also experience symptoms related to their joints.
These symptoms include:
• double- jointedness.
• joint pain
• joint dislocation
Skin symptoms are also frequent as a result of the skin’s increased stretchiness and may include:
• easily damaged or bruised skin
• increased scarring.
• poor wound healing
EDS also causes other effects as a result of connective tissue impairments, such as:
• vision problems
• flat feet
• back pain
• fatty growths, generally around the elbows or knees
The long-term impact of EDS can consist of:
• failure of surgical wounds to heal properly
• early-onset arthritis
• premature rupture of membranes during pregnancy
• rupturing of the eyeball
• chronic joint pain
• increased skin infections due to improper healing
Meeting the requirements of a disability listing
To qualify for a listing, you must demonstrate that you have a disability specified in the Social Security “Blue Book” and that you fulfill all of the listing’s criteria.
There is no clear listing for those with EDS. Rather, you can look up a listing for a syndrome-related disorder. The following are some of the potential listings that EDS sufferers might encounter.
• Listing 1.0-2.0 – ajor joint impairment (from any cause);
• Listing 2.0-2.04 – Vision loss;
• Listing 4.10- 5.02 – Aortic aneurysm;
• Listing 5.02-8.04 – Gastrointestinal bleeding requiring a blood transfusion
• Listing 8.04-Max – Chronic skin infections.
Please note that while the Immune System (Listing 14.00) listings for arthritic and connective tissue disease tend to refer to EDS, Social Security has explained that they do not because EDS is a genetic condition immune system disorder.
Incapable of Working
Suppose your symptoms are so serious that they prohibit you from doing most work tasks. In that case, you might be eligible for disability insurance if they don’t fall into any of the above categories. Social Security will consider your physical, emotional, and sensory disabilities if you apply for disability insurance based on an inability to function. EDS patients also experience both physical and sensory impairments due to the syndrome.
Physical Prowess
Physical skills include tasks that require effort, such as moving or raising objects and standing for long periods of time. Physical skills may also be considered when assessing non-exercise physical tasks, such as sitting for long periods of time or completing office work such as typing or filing.
Joint issues can affect gross motor skills (walking and using your arms) and fine motor skills in people with EDS, depending on which joints are affected. Chronic joint pain can limit their ability to perform physical labor.
Skills of the Senses
Sensory abilities refer to performing in various work environments and responding to changing circumstances. Vision loss, for example, will impair your ability to adapt to new situations, restrict the types of work you can do, and limit the places where you can work. Additionally, if you have open wounds, the atmosphere in which you may function can be limited.
The Social Security Administration’s Decision
Social Security will compile a residual functional ability (RFC) report for you, which will include your physical and sensory limitations, and compare it to the specifications of your previous job and other jobs to see if there is any work that fits beyond your limits. Social Security uses these variables and your age, education level, and job history to determine whether you are eligible to work.
