Obesity can be considered a disability under Social Security rules if it causes significant functional limitations that prevent you from working. While obesity is not a qualifying impairment according to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the SSA still recognizes it as a medically determinable impairment (MDI).
If obesity limits your mobility, endurance, or causes other symptoms that impact your daily functioning, the SSA may find that your condition qualifies for Social Security Disability (SSD).
If you’re struggling with obesity and are unable to work, contact us to speak with our skilled attorneys. We offer free case evaluations and have over 100 years of combined experience helping disabled individuals secure disability benefits.
What It Takes To Qualify for SSD
To qualify for Social Security Disability based on obesity, applicants must satisfy the SSA’s general disability requirements and show that their condition significantly impacts their ability to work.
General SSA Qualifying Criteria
You must show:
- Your condition has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months.
- Your condition prevents you from performing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). (This includes any work you previously did or new types of work.)
- Your condition otherwise meets the SSA’s definition of a qualifying disability.
The SSA will review your medical records to evaluate how your impairment(s) affect your ability to work.
Understanding Blue Book Criteria
The SSA maintains a comprehensive list of medical conditions that can qualify for SSD, known as the Blue Book. The SSA views these disabilities as severe enough to prevent a claimant from participating in SGA. You must meet the medical criteria for a listing to qualify for benefits.
If your specific condition is not on the list, the SSA will evaluate whether it is as severe as a listed condition. This is called “equaling” a listing.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability With Obesity
Obesity is not technically a qualifying impairment. However, the limitations it causes can meet the criteria for disability. This is true whether obesity occurs alone or with other impairments.
Many people with obesity also suffer from conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis. If you have another impairment, you may meet the Blue Book listing for that condition, especially if obesity worsens your symptoms.
If your condition doesn’t meet or equal a listing, you may still be able to qualify for SSD. This involves applying for a Medical-Vocational Allowance. The SSA will conduct a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment. This will measure what work you’re still able to do despite your limitations.
The SSA looks at whether your impairment and any related symptoms, such as pain, fatigue, or mobility issues, cause physical or mental limitations that reduce your ability to perform work-related tasks. These activities may include:
- Standing or walking
- Lifting, carrying, or bending
- Sitting for extended periods
- Concentrating, remembering, or maintaining pace
- Interacting with others
- Completing tasks reliably and consistently
Severe functional limitations can lead to a favorable decision for your disability claim.
How Obesity Impacts Functional Abilities
Obesity is a chronic health condition that can significantly affect physical and mental well-being. Symptoms and complications that commonly impact someone’s ability to work include:
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty standing or walking for long periods
- Pain in the knees, hips, back, and feet
- Fatigue and low endurance
- Limited mobility or difficulty bending, reaching, or lifting
- Increased risk of falls
- Sleep disturbances, such as sleep apnea
- Depression or anxiety
- Complications from diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure
These limitations can make it nearly impossible to maintain regular employment, especially in jobs that require physical activity, mobility, or stamina.
Qualifying Evidence
To receive obesity disability benefits, applicants must provide strong medical evidence showing how obesity limits their daily functioning. The SSA does not approve claims based only on a diagnosis. Instead, it evaluates:
- Medical records, such as body mass index (BMI) measurements over time
- Doctors’ notes
- Imaging and lab test results
- Physician assessments
- Treatment history
- Documentation of symptoms and physical limitations
Why Work With Our Disability Attorneys?
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be complicated, especially when obesity is just one part of a larger health picture. Many claims are denied because:
- The SSA underestimates functional limitations
- Evidence is incomplete
- Forms are filled out incorrectly
- Treatment history is not well documented
- The connection between obesity and other impairments isn’t fully explained
With over 100 years of combined experience, the attorneys at Drozdowski & Rabin, PLLC, understand how to build a persuasive disability claim. We will gather the necessary evidence that clearly explains the real-world impact of your condition. We will travel to meet you where you are, or you can meet with us over video call if you prefer.
Whether you struggle with obesity alone or along with other impairments, we can help you build a strong claim. Our experienced attorneys know how to highlight every limitation and symptom to present the most complete picture of your disability. We handle initial applications, appeals, hearings, and all communication with the SSA.
Contact Drozdowski & Rabin, PLLC
If obesity and related health conditions limit your ability to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. You don’t have to navigate the complicated claims process alone. Drozdowski & Rabin, PLLC, is ready to help you:
- Determine your eligibility for disability benefits
- Collect medical evidence to support your claim
- File your claim accurately and meet all deadlines
- Help you file an appeal if the SSA denies your claim
You deserve experienced, compassionate legal representation when you’re struggling with health problems that leave you unable to work. We know what it takes to build a winning claim. Contact Drozdowski & Rabin, PLLC, today to discuss your case!
