Social Security Disability, also known as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), is a lifeline for many people struggling with health issues. This federal program provides benefits for those unable to work due to documented, long-term medical problems. However, the unique nature of some health issues means some ailments are more obvious than others. What is the hardest disability to prove?
A person may feel pain and other physical symptoms, such as fatigue, limited mobility, and more. However, unless they can demonstrate their issues through clinical reports and show how they consistently impact work abilities, it can be hard to qualify for benefits. When you’re struggling to make your case, a Social Security Disability attorney can help.
How Does a Person Qualify for Social Security Disability?
Because health issues come in many forms and varying degrees of severity, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has established eligibility criteria. The disability must be documented through medical reports, and it must also last longer or be expected to last longer than a year or be expected to result in death.
The condition must impact the sufferer’s ability to perform Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). This is defined as any work activity, including part-time arrangements, done with the intention of generating payment or profit.
What Can Make a Disability Hard to Prove?
While Social Security Disability laws may be clear about qualifying criteria, medical issues are rarely as precise and easy to define. Some conditions can be hard to demonstrate and document. These can be due to:
- Invisible symptoms. Fatigue, chronic pain, and brain fog can all impact a person’s life and their ability to work, even though these are not outwardly obvious or easy to record through medical tests.
- Fluctuating or episodic conditions. Some people experience flare-ups of a condition and its symptoms due to environmental factors or for no discernible reason. While impactful on their life, these intermittent situations fall outside the SSA’s qualifying criteria.
- Limited or inconsistent medical testing. Many people get unclear or conflicting test results or suffer from conditions that may be harder to test for. This makes it considerably more difficult to get a clear, documented definition of a condition.
When you hire a Social Security Disability lawyer, they may be able to help you create a professional legal argument articulating how your condition is impacting your ability to work. This, along with medical reports verifying the condition, could improve your chances of receiving benefits.
What Specific Disabilities May Be Hard to Prove?
Paradoxically, trying to prove a disability can feel even more frustrating when you can name it. While some assume this would add clarity to the situation, the documented symptoms, flare-ups, and even medical tests can still fall short of the SSA’s criteria. Conditions like this include, but are not limited to:
- Fibromyalgia
- PTSD and C-PTSD
- Long COVID
- Certain neurological conditions
- Chronic migraines
A person may be able to prove a disability through advanced and repeated testing. Medical institutions like UC Davis Health in Sacramento can provide testing or refer patients to medical professionals in the region. More consistent medical reports from multiple physicians could increase the chance of a favorable verdict in your Social Security Disability case.
Facts About Social Security Disability Benefits
Many people across California and the United States struggle to get the Social Security Disability benefits they desperately need. In December 2024, California was one of only 11 states where less than 3.0% of the population ages 18-64 was currently receiving these benefits. However, receiving these benefits can make a massive difference.
In 2024, the average monthly Social Security Disability benefit for a worker was $1,571.70. While these numbers are subject to change and can go up if the individual has a spouse and/or children, the amount can mean the difference between a dignified life and marginalization. When you hire a Social Security Disability lawyer, you can gain valuable help as you pursue benefits for yourself or on behalf of your family, even as you fight medical issues that are hard to define.
FAQs
Q: Who Determines Whether I Receive Disability Benefits?
A: Multiple offices and officials may be involved in determining whether you receive benefits for disability. Most cases are first addressed at the Sacramento SSA office. A case may be moved to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California if appeals are exhausted, but the applicant wants to continue pursuing benefits.
Q: Can Aging Impact a Person’s Eligibility for Disability Benefits?
A: Yes, aging can impact a person’s eligibility for disability benefits. Though not a qualifying element on its own, underlying conditions can develop or worsen over time. For example, people in their 50s are twice as likely to need benefits as those in their 40s, while people in their 60s are twice as likely to need benefits as those in their 50s.
Q: How Could Conflicting Medical Reports Impact a Case?
A: Conflicting medical reports could impact a case for benefits in multiple ways. Since the SSA relies on medical reports for evidence of clear, consistent, long-term medical issues, conflicting reports can weaken a claim. If a person chooses to continue pursuing benefits, this may lead to delays, as additional hearings, tests, and consultations with medical professionals may be required.
Q: Can Changes in Work Performance Help Prove a Disability?
A: Yes, changes in work performance can help prove a disability, though not on their own. A consistent and documented reduction in work output or an increase in work-related health issues can help strengthen a case for disability benefits, but only if supported by medical reports that also suggest an observable, measurable condition that corresponds to these changes.
Hire a Social Security Disability Lawyer
According to the latest data, in September 2025, over 61,000 new awards were issued to benefit applicants. This proves that even if your application has been rejected or you’ve had trouble proving your disability, there’s still a chance for success. The team at Gade & Parekh, LLP is passionate about helping people in need.
Not only do we have a fantastic reputation among people in Stockton, Sacramento, and the surrounding region, but we also don’t get paid unless you get your benefits. We take pride in a professional, ethical, dedicated approach to supporting you, even if you’ve had a hard time making your case for benefits in the past. Reach out to a Stockton Social Security Disability lawyer from our firm today for a free consultation.