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New Rules Prohibit Discrimination of Additional Disabilities

A host of disabilities are mentioned in the guidelines for Social Security disability benefits. Everything from sleep apnea to hypertension is on the list of conditions that are likely eligible for disability support. As long as you can no longer work at any job, and the disability severely affects your lifestyle, you can likely get benefits.

Unfortunately, not all federal regulations are quite as inclusive. For example, under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the often debilitating condition of epilepsy is not covered. This means that employers do not have to make any exceptions or offer any assistance to people suffering from it. Thus, people who experience frequent seizures could be punished or fired from a job for not coming into work directly after an episode, even when work could clearly be done from home.

The good news is that the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 now has epilepsy in its list of covered conditions. According to MSNBC, other conditions that are now covered under the amendment include diabetes and bipolar disorder. In general, some conditions were previously not seen as disabilities simply because the victim showed few outward signs of suffering, but hopefully that kind of discrimination will change.

Considering that many victims of such conditions already receive Social Security disability payments, it is a wonder that employers have been allowed to discriminate against them to begin with. Some have even argued in court that the employee in question did not have a disability because they were taking medications to prevent issues.

Fortunately, most people represented by an experienced lawyer can fight such cases. It is only just that your rights at work are preserved and not trampled on simply because you do not have a particular disability. In fact, this issue could have led some to believe that since their condition was not covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, they must not be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. If the old rules discouraged you from seeking benefits, contact a lawyer today to get what is rightfully yours.

If you or your loved one are suffering from a severe physical or mental disability, you should contact a Social Security Disability lawyer immediately to learn about your rights and determine eligibility. The process of securing Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be difficult and overwhelming. Don't go it alone! The disability lawyers at LaVan & Neidenberg, located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL understand the inner workings of the Social Security Administration and will help you navigate the system. Call us today for a FREE legal consultation - 1-888-234-5758.