As a Social Security disability attorney, Lyme disease cases represent a complex, frustrating, and often misunderstood type of disabling chronic illness. While the acute phase of Lyme disease is widely recognized and typically responsive to antibiotics, a subset of individuals develop long-lasting symptoms—often referred to as “chronic Lyme disease” or “Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome” (PTLDS). These cases are challenging both medically and legally, particularly when pursuing Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

In this blog post I will discuss winning strategies that I have used over the past few years to develop a compelling case for benefits based on Lyme disease.

Lyme Disease – the Basics

Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted by ticks. While early-stage Lyme disease is well understood, PTLDS is still gaining wider medical acceptance. A recent Johns Hopkins study found that 14% of early-diagnosed patients developed prolonged symptoms such as fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and neurocognitive impairment. More recently the Wall Street Journal published an article entitled “Chronic Lyme Disease Acceptance Grows Among Doctors After Years of Debate.”

Interestingly, the aftermath of COVID-19 has offered the public and medical professionals a clearer picture of how infectious diseases can lead to persistent, debilitating post-viral syndromes. I believe that this context helps Social Security judges understand chronic Lyme within the broader framework of post-infectious disability syndromes. Continue reading →