Quality of Life Factor In Disability Claims

Anyone who files a disability claim is not only seeking support for his day-to-day living, but also hopes that his quality of life significantly improves physically, mentally and emotionally as the result of its approval.  An individual can find some solace in the knowledge that his financial challenges will be at least somewhat alleviated through benefits provided by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA), but this is not the only assuagement that he needs to feel that his life is back on track.  Rather, an accepted disability claim gives him the chance to regain control of his future and to take back his life; therefore, it is critical that he clearly communicates in his claim his desired quality of life so that it is understood how essential it is that benefits be awarded in response to his request. 

What Does “Disabled” Mean?

The federal government defines “disability” as:

• The inability to work and to earn wages that will enable an individual to be financially self-sufficient. 
• According to SSA, a disabling condition renders an individual incapable of both working as he did previously and adjusting to another type of work as an alternative means of income. 
• Moreover, SSA defines the term as a permanent condition that will last more than one year.   

What Does “Quality of Life” Mean?

In 1993, the World Health Organization defined “quality of life” as a person’s perception of his position in life as it relates to his goals, expectations and standard of living.  Based on that definition, one can understand how an individual’s psychological, interpersonal and social state of being all highly influence his quality of life.  A thorough comprehension of the term is critical for disability claims, particularly by the claimant who should demonstrate the ways in which the quality of his life has been impacted by his condition.     

Why Address Quality of Life in a Disability Claim?

Understandably, quality of life is uniquely personal and self-determined because only the individual can examine the concept relative his own life; however, it is clear that it is a factor in disability claims.  From medical treatment to necessary lifestyle adaptations, social security benefits may become vital to the individual’s maintenance of his well being both physically and mentally as they influence his day-to-day living. 

For that reason, it is critical that he explicitly details in his claim documentation the ways in which his condition has affected all aspects of his life.  This information should be described thoroughly by the individual himself, his physician who is required to submit medical records to support his claim and other non-medical sources such as family members and friends who can submit statements to verify the claimant’s request for aid.  Communicating this information will provide additional context to his claim and strengthen his request.   

Getting Help

To thoroughly complete a disability application, to communicate your quality of life issues and to maximize your chances of approval, it is important that you work with a qualified and experienced attorney. Your lawyer can assist you in convincing the SSA that you truly are deserving of benefits based on the nature of your disability.