WHAT'S THE HARDEST DISABILITY TO GET APPROVED?

By Charles W. Forsythe The Forsythe Firm Huntsville, AL

The hardest disabilities to get approved (for Social Security) are fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and mental health disorders like severe depression or anxiety. These conditions are difficult to get approved through government agencies like the Social Security Administration (SSA) because they rely heavily on self-reported patient symptoms rather than hard, objective laboratory tests. 

Why Invisible and Subjective Conditions Face Denials

• Lack of Objective Markers: Conditions like fibromyalgia or mental health issues do not show up on standard blood tests, X-rays, or physical scans. 

• Inconsistent Treatment Records: Claims are frequently denied if applicants miss doctor appointments, skip therapy, or fail to follow prescribed treatment plans over a long period. 

• Proving Functional Limits: ,A diagnosis alone is not enough; applicants must prove through detailed medical files and doctor notes that their condition completely stops them from doing basic work tasks. 

Tips to Strengthen a Difficult Claim

• See Specialists: Get regular care from specialized doctors, such as a rheumatologist for chronic pain or a psychiatrist for mental health conditions. 

• Keep Detailed Logs: Maintain a specific daily journal tracking your pain levels, fatigue, and how symptoms affect your ability to function. 

• Ask for Functional Capacity Reports: Ask your treating physicians to write specific statements outlining your exact [physical or mental limitations for working.

What are my chances of getting approved for mental illness? Chances are less likely than with most physical conditions. Generally, a claim based on subjective (self-reported) limitations must show a disease that is very severe, has failed medical management and that prohibits functioning in even simple unskilled work. It may not be enough to prove that you cannot perform your past work. You may also have to prove that there is NO FULL-TIME WORK IN THE NATIONAL ECONOMY that you could perform.

Most of these claims end up with a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge for a final decision because they are often denied repeatedly in the earlier processes.