Invisible illness creates a tremendous amount of stress in trying to explain, over and over again, the challenges you face to those who do not experience them. Legally, however, regardless of whether or not one’s medical condition is visually identifiable, what is important from a financial standpoint as well as a legal standpoint is the degree to which one’s medical condition affects their ability to work on a daily basis, obtain employment, and support themselves.
Documentation Is Important Even If You Look Fine
The biggest difference for people with invisible conditions is that their medical histories serve as the documentation needed to paint a complete picture of what is happening to them. Medical history includes (but is limited to) letters from doctors, x-rays or other imaging studies, specialist reports, lists of medications prescribed, treatment plans, therapist’s session notes, and detailed descriptions of each symptom experienced by the patient. As previously stated, patients should also document their experiences themselves. Documenting even seemingly minor events, such as pain level, flares, difficulty moving, missed days at work, medication side effects, and any task(s) you now struggle to accomplish, can add valuable context to support the progression of your condition.
How Reduced Earnings Due To Working Limits Will Impact Your Finances
You may not lose your job overnight. Most people experience this type of decline gradually. Initially, you may cut back on your work hours. Next, you may limit the number of projects you accept. Finally, you may take more sick days than you intended. Ultimately, you may come to understand that continuing to push beyond what your body can handle has cost you far more than simply exhausting your energy reserves.
At this point, it is likely time to consider seeking professional advice regarding disability. Many states view chronic illnesses as qualifying disabilities. For instance, degenerative disc disease can qualify when there is sufficient medical documentation illustrating a severe impact on your ability to work as a result of ongoing pain, neurological dysfunction, or diminished mobility caused by the condition.
What Not to Do Without Consulting Someone Else
It can be easy to fall into temptation and fill out forms quickly, minimize your symptoms, or omit details from your application process because you do not want to “come across” as being overly dramatic. Resist this urge. Be accurate, transparent, and descriptive. If you need guidance throughout this process, ask questions before completing critical documents.
Additionally, it is equally easy to rely solely upon memory during times of extreme stress. Dates, treatments, changes in employment status, and medical appointments can become jumbled and disorganized, making it difficult to accurately recall events and circumstances relevant to your claim for benefits. Maintaining organized documentation provides a solid foundation if or when you are required to explain why your condition requires accommodations.
Protecting Yourself By Having A Better Strategy In Place
Being diagnosed with an invisible condition can cause feelings of isolation when your financial situation begins to deteriorate. You are permitted to take the reality of your physical state seriously long before it becomes a crisis. You can collect and organize your medical records; explore possible alternatives based on the severity of your condition; consult experts; and develop a plan that outlines what your body is actually experiencing.
You do not have to prove your pain to anyone. All you need to do is ensure those responsible for determining if your needs will be accommodated are aware of the specifics and realities surrounding your invisible condition.
