Anorexia and Other Eating Disorders: Can They Qualify for Disability Benefits?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes eating disorders under its mental health impairment listings for disability benefits. The list includes:
- Anorexia nervosa
- Bulimia nervosa
- Binge-eating disorder
- Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder
To qualify, your medical records must show a persistent disturbance in eating behavior that seriously affects your physical or mental health. The SSA will also look for either:
- An extreme limitation in one key area of mental functioning (like concentrating, interacting with others, or managing yourself)
- Or notable limitations in at least two of those areas.
For anorexia, symptoms that can interfere with work include:
- Severe weight loss and malnutrition
- Weakness or dizziness
- Depression or anxiety
- Trouble focusing or staying on task
- Social withdrawal
- Cardiac problems
- Digestive issues
- Bone weakness
Many people with anorexia also deal with co-occurring conditions like major depression, anxiety disorders, or heart and gastrointestinal problems, all of which can be part of a disability claim.
The more complete your medical documentation, the stronger your case will be.
Applying for Disability Benefits for Anorexia in Oregon
When you apply for Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for an eating disorder, you’ll need to back up your claim with strong, detailed medical evidence, such as:
- Diagnosis and treatment notes from your doctors, therapists, or dietitians
- Hospital or inpatient treatment records
- Mental health evaluations
- Lab results or medical imaging showing the physical effects of your condition
- Statements from people who know you, explaining how your condition affects your daily life
Most first-time applications are denied, even when people strongly believe they can’t work, so it’s important to be prepared for an appeal.
In Oregon, that can mean waiting months for a hearing, which makes it all the more important to get your disability claim application right from the start.
At Wells, Manning, Eitenmiller & Taylor, our Social Security Disability attorneys take the burden off you. We help you gather the right evidence, fill out every form correctly, and present your case clearly to Social Security.
And you won’t pay a fee unless you win.
If anorexia or another eating disorder is keeping you from working, we’re ready to help you secure benefits you need so you can focus on healing.
We’re with You Every Step of the Way
Whether you’re trying to determine if you’re qualified for disability benefits, you need help filing your application, or you received a denial notice and want another chance, our law firm helps from the beginning and stays by your side.
Have a Question about Disability Benefits?
Your health is bad. You can’t work. Your financial stability is threatened. So your head is swimming with questions. How will you get by? How does Social Security Disability work? We’ve gathered answers. See them here:
Disability FAQs »
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