New Jersey readers may know that Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that affects victims in different ways. Introduced into the body through one tick bite, victims may find that they experience various painful and inconvenient symptoms. In some cases, serious Lyme-related issues continue to affect a person long after the initial bite and treatment.
Symptoms of Lyme disease can range from flu-like symptoms to intense headaches. How it will affect a person is impossible to predict, but you may find that even months after a diagnosis and treatment you are still dealing with the negative repercussions of your disease. In fact, your issues could be affecting your job or may already be preventing you from working.
The long-term effects of Lyme disease
Many people with a diagnosis of Lyme disease take antibiotics for a period of two to four weeks. Symptoms can linger for a few weeks, but in some cases, people can experience debilitating symptoms and lingering issues for six months or longer. This sometimes goes by the name of Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome. Some facts about PTLDS include the following:
- PTLDS may be the result of residual tissue damage and damage to the immune system.
- Often, this condition shares many of the same characteristics of an autoimmune disorder and other debilitating chronic conditions.
- Lingering issues related to Lyme disease include trouble concentrating, memory loss and more.
There are rare cases in which Lyme disease actually impairs a person’s ability to work and hold gainful employment. In this situation, it is possible that a person may meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. If you are unable to work because Lyme disease has impacted your physical or mental capabilities, you may be able to secure disability benefits through the SSA. If you think you may qualify, you would be wise to reach out for help to better understand your options.
Getting the benefits you deserve
Navigating the disability benefits claims process is complex. It can be both confusing and frustrating to fill out the necessary paperwork, deal with complications and even deal with denied claims.
Fortunately, this is not a process you must navigate on your own. You have the right to know your options and to fight for the benefits you deserve when a medical condition prevents you from working. Before you take the first step in this process, you would be wise to be certain to know your entitlements and what to expect as you pursue benefits.
