A judge recently struck down an effort to ban the sale of large, sugary drinks in New York City, but the whole ordeal has prompted a myriad of discussions involving obesity in America. Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Los Angeles Social Security Disability Attorney Vincent Howard of HOWARD LAW knows that while obesity in and of itself is not considered a disabling condition, a person who is considered obese may in fact be eligible for benefits under certain conditions.
While there is no specific criteria for qualification involving a person with obesity, the fact is, obesity may be either the cause of some qualifying condition or it may be a symptom of a qualifying condition.
Interestingly, this wasn't always the case. The Social Security Administration at one time recognized obesity as a disabling condition, provided certain weight and height requirements were met and that it was severe enough as to be accompanied by other ailments, including high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, chronic poor circulation and arthritis. However, today you would primarily be judged on the severity of whatever that accompanying condition, though your weight would most assuredly be a factor in the ultimate decision.
The medical definition of obesity is complex, but most basically, it's a chronic accumulation of excessive body fat. Adults who have a body mass index of between 25 and 29.9 are considered overweight. Adults who have a BMI of 30 or higher are considered obese. Adults who have a BMI of 40 or higher are considered to be morbidly obese.
Despite what some may think, it's not simply a matter of a person eating too much and not exercising enough, though it's true that can certainly be a factor. It's sometimes referred to as obesity syndrome.
More than we realize, our genes and family history may play a large role in whether we become obese, as do certain health conditions, such as Chushing's syndrome, having an underactive thyroid or polycystic ovarian syndrome. Additionally, certain medications, such as anti-seizure pills or antidepressants, may slow the rate of metabolism, causing excessive weight gain. Also, someone enduring emotional issues, such as depression, may overeat. Lack of sleep, also, has been identified as a contributing factor to obesity. Someone with a sleep disorder may find themselves also battling the bulge as well.
People who have been diagnosed with morbid obesity in particular are at high risk of diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
In applying for disability benefits, obesity may certainly be considered as a factor - even a primary one - for the reason you are unable to meet the basic work requirements for walking, sitting, standing, crouching, kneeling, bending, balancing or lifting.
However, our disability lawyers would urge our clients to explore the full scope of their medical condition, as any accompanying conditions will serve to bolster your chances. You want to demonstrate that your obesity and accompanying conditions are causing you a significant level of impairment that will prevent you from working.
For example, a person who is suffering from heart disease yet who is of a normal weight may have a lesser shot at obtaining benefits than an individual with the same disease who is also morbidly obese.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.
Los Angeles Social Security Disability Attorney Vincent Howard of HOWARD LAW knows that while obesity in and of itself is not considered a disabling condition, a person who is considered obese may in fact be eligible for benefits under certain conditions.
While there is no specific criteria for qualification involving a person with obesity, the fact is, obesity may be either the cause of some qualifying condition or it may be a symptom of a qualifying condition.
Interestingly, this wasn't always the case. The Social Security Administration at one time recognized obesity as a disabling condition, provided certain weight and height requirements were met and that it was severe enough as to be accompanied by other ailments, including high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, chronic poor circulation and arthritis. However, today you would primarily be judged on the severity of whatever that accompanying condition, though your weight would most assuredly be a factor in the ultimate decision.
The medical definition of obesity is complex, but most basically, it's a chronic accumulation of excessive body fat. Adults who have a body mass index of between 25 and 29.9 are considered overweight. Adults who have a BMI of 30 or higher are considered obese. Adults who have a BMI of 40 or higher are considered to be morbidly obese.
Despite what some may think, it's not simply a matter of a person eating too much and not exercising enough, though it's true that can certainly be a factor. It's sometimes referred to as obesity syndrome.
More than we realize, our genes and family history may play a large role in whether we become obese, as do certain health conditions, such as Chushing's syndrome, having an underactive thyroid or polycystic ovarian syndrome. Additionally, certain medications, such as anti-seizure pills or antidepressants, may slow the rate of metabolism, causing excessive weight gain. Also, someone enduring emotional issues, such as depression, may overeat. Lack of sleep, also, has been identified as a contributing factor to obesity. Someone with a sleep disorder may find themselves also battling the bulge as well.
People who have been diagnosed with morbid obesity in particular are at high risk of diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
In applying for disability benefits, obesity may certainly be considered as a factor - even a primary one - for the reason you are unable to meet the basic work requirements for walking, sitting, standing, crouching, kneeling, bending, balancing or lifting.
However, our disability lawyers would urge our clients to explore the full scope of their medical condition, as any accompanying conditions will serve to bolster your chances. You want to demonstrate that your obesity and accompanying conditions are causing you a significant level of impairment that will prevent you from working.
For example, a person who is suffering from heart disease yet who is of a normal weight may have a lesser shot at obtaining benefits than an individual with the same disease who is also morbidly obese.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
