Disability

 Well, it's official. The US government agrees I am disabled. I got my determination of Social Security yesterday.

It's a bit of a surprise, honestly. My disability lawyer told me I had a good case (they don't take you case if they don't think they can win) but he was also sure we go through the whole process. Typically, the SSA reviews your case, denies you, you appeal, there is a second-round review, they deny you again, you appeal and finally go before and administrative court judge who rules that you do actually qualify for benefits.

They ruled for me on the first round.

I'm told that there is a list of conditions - if you have terminal cancer, total kidney failure, are missing a limb or an eye, etc. they rule for you one the first round. 

It looks like maybe Long COVID makes the list.

That's... a little scary, honestly. 

Not that I think I'm going to die or anything. My condition hasn't changed from what it was earlier in the week. It just means the US government recognizes the seriousness of my condition. Which leads one to wonder... how many people in the country are sick like I am? How bad is this, not personally, but nationally?

Let me say this... if you have Long COVID (or Post COVID, or Post Acute COVID Syndrome or any of the dozen names they call this thing) and you have struggling, consider that you have options. If you feel you really, honestly can't work, Social Security Disability may be a real option for you. If you think it is, work closely with your physician to document your condition and contact a disability attorney. You don't pay them unless they win, and even then, they only take a cut of your back-benefits. It's well worth it.

Again, for me nothing has changed since yesterday... except now a weight I didn't know I was carrying has lifted. My condition is real. It has been acknowledged and it is supported.

Onward.