Does Social Security consider obesity an impairment?

Obesity has become a common issue in the United States. More than 40% of American adults have obesity and just over 9% have severe obesity.

People with obesity face many obstacles when it comes to work; however, does Social Security consider obesity an impairment?

Is Obesity An Impairment For Social Security Disability?

The Social Security Administration considers obesity to be a Medically Determinable Impairment. However, obesity by itself is not a listed impairment. The SSA recognizes that the functional limitations that obesity causes by itself or when combined with other impairments can medically equal a listing.

How Can You Qualify For Social Security Benefits Due To Obesity-Related Impairments?

The SSA considers obesity-related disability claims on a case-by-case basis. You will need to obtain a diagnosis from a healthcare provider to support your claim. The SSA will also consider your medical record.

The SSA considers symptoms, such as fatigue or pain that limits functioning, when determining whether someone’s obesity is a severe impairment. If the SSA determines that the functional limitations you have from obesity or obesity combined with other impairments significantly limit your ability to do basic work activities, it may consider your impairment severe.

Qualifying for disability benefits based on obesity-related impairments can be difficult. You may need to submit functional reports that detail your ability to perform a variety of tasks. The SSA may also ask for reports from your doctor or other people who know you.

There is a high probability that the SSA will deny your initial claim and you will need to file an appeal. The more evidence you can gather to support your claim, the better chance you will have.