Tampa HIV/AIDS Social Security Lawyers

As in all disability claims, Social Security first tries to resolve the issue of disability based on the medical information alone. If the medical information shows either that the individual is clearly disabled, or that the individual is clearly not disabled, the case is decided based on that information. Otherwise, Social Security goes on to consider other factors, such as work capacity, age, education, and work background .

The medical evidence required to evaluate cases involving HIV infection is similar to that required for cases involving other disabling medical conditions. The evidence must be sufficiently complete to permit the medical consultant to make an independent determination about the nature, severity, and probable duration of the individual's impairment(s). A complete medical report should include the patient's medical history, clinical and laboratory findings, diagnosis, prognosis, and a statement about what the individual can still do despite his or her impairments.

The following outline describes the type of information that is particularly useful to Social Security. The outline lists frequently encountered changes due to HIV infection but it is, by no means, an exhaustive list.

Symptoms may include an individual's statements about:

1. Low energy, fatigue, weakness
2. Fever, night sweats
3. Weight loss
4. Shortness of breath
5. Persistent cough
6. Persistent diarrhea
7. Depression, anxiety
8. Forgetfulness, loss of concentration, slowness of thought
9. Other symptoms (e.g., headaches, nausea, vomiting)