Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a complex connective tissue disorder that can profoundly affect your ability to work and maintain daily activities. If you're living with EDS and struggling to perform job duties due to chronic pain, joint instability, or other debilitating symptoms, you may be asking: is Ehlers-Danlos a disability? The answer depends on the severity of your symptoms, the type of EDS you have, and how the condition limits your functional capacity. At Rainsbury Law Group in Folsom, we help individuals with EDS understand their eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and navigate the complex application process.

Is Ehlers-Danlos a Disability?

Yes, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can qualify as a disability, but eligibility depends on the severity of your symptoms and how they limit your ability to work. While EDS doesn't have its own specific listing in the Social Security Administration's Blue Book, the SSA evaluates it under multiple categories including musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular conditions, and multiple body systems. To qualify, you must demonstrate that your EDS symptoms—such as chronic pain, frequent joint dislocations or subluxations, severe fatigue, cardiovascular complications like POTS, or gastrointestinal issues—prevent you from performing substantial work activity. The key is showing through medical evidence how these symptoms combine to create disabling limitations.

Even if your condition doesn't meet a specific listing, you may still qualify through a medical-vocational allowance based on your residual functional capacity. The SSA considers your inability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods, difficulty with fine motor tasks due to joint instability, need for frequent unscheduled breaks, cognitive impairment from brain fog, and the unpredictable nature of EDS flare-ups. Comprehensive medical documentation from knowledgeable physicians, consistent treatment records, and clear evidence of functional limitations are essential for approval. Because EDS is a complex, multi-system disorder that many claims examiners don't fully understand, many cases are initially denied but successfully approved on appeal, particularly at the hearing level where you can fully explain how the condition impacts your daily life and prevents you from maintaining employment.

What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome encompasses a group of genetic disorders affecting the connective tissues that support skin, joints, blood vessels, and other organs throughout the body. Connective tissue is composed primarily of collagen, and defects in collagen production or structure lead to the various symptoms associated with EDS. When evaluating is Ehlers-Danlos a disability, it's important to recognize that the condition manifests differently in each person, with symptoms ranging from mild to severely disabling.

There are thirteen recognized types of EDS, though the most common include hypermobile EDS (hEDS), classical EDS (cEDS), and vascular EDS (vEDS). Hypermobile EDS is the most prevalent form, characterized by joint hypermobility, chronic pain, and frequent subluxations or dislocations. Classical EDS involves skin hyperextensibility, atrophic scarring, and joint hypermobility. Vascular EDS is the most serious type, with potential for spontaneous arterial or organ rupture, though it's relatively rare.

Individuals with EDS often experience a constellation of symptoms including widespread chronic pain, fatigue, joint instability, easy bruising, slow wound healing, gastrointestinal problems, and cardiovascular complications. Many people with EDS also have associated conditions such as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), mast cell activation syndrome, and dysautonomia, which can compound their functional limitations.

Social Security Administration Evaluation of EDS

The Social Security Administration doesn't have a specific Blue Book listing for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, making these cases more complex to evaluate. At Rainsbury Law Group in Folsom, we help clients understand how the SSA assesses EDS claims under multiple listing categories and through residual functional capacity evaluations.

How the SSA Evaluates Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

• No dedicated EDS listing: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome doesn't have its own category in the SSA's Blue Book, so claims must be evaluated under other relevant listings or through medical-vocational considerations. This makes thorough documentation and proper case presentation critical for approval.
• Musculoskeletal system evaluation (Section 1.00): The SSA evaluates joint instability, chronic dislocations, subluxations, and related orthopedic complications under the disorders of the spine and major joints listings. Your medical records must demonstrate significant joint dysfunction that limits your ability to ambulate effectively or perform fine and gross movements.
• Cardiovascular system evaluation (Section 4.00): EDS-related heart complications, including valve problems, vascular issues, and conditions like Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), are assessed under cardiovascular listings. Documentation should include cardiac testing results, tilt table tests, and evidence of functional limitations from these conditions.
• Digestive system evaluation (Section 5.00): Gastrointestinal manifestations such as gastroparesis, chronic intestinal dysmotility, and malnutrition are evaluated under digestive disorder listings. Medical evidence should show the severity and frequency of symptoms that interfere with maintaining nutrition and attending work regularly.
• Multiple body systems (Section 14.00): Because EDS affects connective tissue throughout the body, the SSA may evaluate it as a multi-system disorder when symptoms involve multiple organ systems. This approach considers the combined impact of all your EDS-related impairments.
• Skin disorder evaluation (Section 8.00): For classical EDS with significant skin manifestations, the SSA may consider listings related to skin disorders, including evidence of poor wound healing, extensive scarring, or skin fragility. Photographic documentation strengthens claims involving visible skin symptoms.
• Residual functional capacity assessment: When EDS symptoms don't meet a specific listing, the SSA evaluates your RFC to determine what work activities you can still perform despite limitations. This assessment considers your ability to sit, stand, walk, lift, carry, and perform other physical functions throughout an eight-hour workday.
• Combined effects of impairments: The SSA must consider how all your EDS symptoms work together to create disability, including chronic pain, fatigue, joint instability, cardiovascular issues, and gastrointestinal problems. Even if no single symptom is disabling alone, the cumulative effect may prevent substantial gainful activity.
• Associated conditions consideration: Many people with EDS have related conditions like dysautonomia, mast cell activation syndrome, or chronic fatigue syndrome that compound their limitations. The SSA should evaluate these co-occurring conditions as part of the overall disability determination.
• Episodic nature of symptoms: The SSA recognizes that EDS symptoms can fluctuate, with periods of relative stability followed by severe flare-ups. Medical records should document the frequency, duration, and severity of episodes that would cause work absences or prevent task completion.
• Medical source opinions: Statements from your treating rheumatologist, geneticist, or other physicians familiar with EDS carry significant weight in the evaluation process. These opinions should explain how your specific EDS symptoms create functional limitations that prevent work activity.
• Objective medical findings: While some EDS symptoms are subjective, the SSA looks for objective evidence such as imaging studies showing joint damage, documented hypermobility scores, cardiac test results, and photographs of physical manifestations. This objective evidence supports your reported symptoms and limitations.
• Treatment effectiveness evaluation: The SSA considers whether treatments like physical therapy, pain management, medications, or surgical interventions have improved your condition. Documentation showing limited improvement despite appropriate treatment strengthens your disability claim.
• Vocational factors consideration: For medical-vocational allowances, the SSA evaluates how your age, education, work history, and transferable skills interact with your functional limitations. Older workers with physically demanding backgrounds may qualify more easily than younger applicants with sedentary work experience.
• Duration requirement: Your EDS condition and resulting limitations must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 continuous months. The chronic, lifelong nature of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome typically satisfies this duration requirement.

Understanding Your EDS Evaluation

The complexity of Social Security Administration's evaluation process for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome requires strategic presentation of medical evidence across multiple body systems. At Rainsbury Law Group, we thoroughly analyze how your EDS symptoms align with various SSA listings and develop comprehensive arguments for disability approval. Contact our Folsom office today to discuss your EDS disability claim and learn how we can help you navigate the evaluation process effectively.

How To Apply for Disability for EDS

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome requires thorough preparation and comprehensive medical documentation. At Rainsbury Law Group in Folsom, we guide clients through each step of the EDS disability application process to maximize their chances of approval.

Steps to Apply for EDS Disability Benefits

• Obtain a confirmed EDS diagnosis: Get a formal diagnosis from a geneticist, rheumatologist, or physician knowledgeable about connective tissue disorders, as the SSA requires clear medical evidence of your condition. Include genetic testing results if available, or clinical diagnostic criteria documentation for hypermobile EDS.
• Compile comprehensive medical records: Gather all documentation related to your Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, including diagnostic reports, imaging studies, cardiac testing, gastrointestinal evaluations, and treatment notes from all specialists. Complete medical evidence showing multi-system involvement strengthens your disability claim.
• Document all symptoms and complications: Ensure your medical records thoroughly detail joint dislocations or subluxations, chronic pain levels and locations, fatigue severity, cardiovascular symptoms like POTS, gastrointestinal issues, and any other EDS-related complications. Consistent documentation over time demonstrates the chronic nature of your condition.
• Maintain ongoing treatment: Continue regular appointments with your healthcare providers and follow prescribed treatment plans, including physical therapy, pain management, use of braces or mobility aids, and medications. The SSA expects to see active attempts to manage your condition.
• Track functional limitations: Keep a detailed symptom diary documenting how EDS affects your daily activities, including your ability to sit, stand, walk, lift, grip objects, and maintain focus. Record frequency of joint injuries, flare-ups, and days when symptoms prevent normal activities.
• Request medical source statements: Ask your treating physicians to complete RFC assessments or medical source statements that specifically address your physical and mental limitations caused by EDS. These documents should explain why you cannot sustain full-time work activity.
• Gather evidence of associated conditions: Document any related conditions such as dysautonomia, POTS, mast cell activation syndrome, or chronic fatigue syndrome that compound your functional limitations. The cumulative impact of multiple conditions strengthens your disability case.
• Complete the disability application: Apply online at ssa.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local Social Security office to submit your initial application for SSDI or SSI benefits. Provide detailed, accurate information about your medical conditions, treatments, and work history.
• List all healthcare providers: Include complete contact information for every doctor, specialist, hospital, therapist, and clinic that has treated your EDS or related conditions. The SSA will request records from these sources to evaluate your claim.
• Describe your work history thoroughly: Provide detailed information about past jobs, including physical demands, duties performed, and reasons you can no longer perform this work due to EDS. Be specific about how joint instability, pain, or other symptoms prevent you from completing job tasks.
• Complete supplemental forms promptly: Return all SSA questionnaires about your daily activities, pain levels, and functional abilities quickly and thoroughly. Be honest about your limitations and provide specific examples of how EDS impacts your life.
• Attend consultative examinations: If the SSA schedules you for an independent medical evaluation, attend the appointment and accurately describe your symptoms and limitations. While these one-time exams carry less weight than your treating doctors' opinions, failure to attend can result in denial.
• Document episodic nature of EDS: Make sure medical records reflect that symptoms fluctuate and that even "good days" involve significant limitations. Explain that the unpredictability of joint injuries and flare-ups prevents reliable work attendance.
• Include photographic evidence: Provide photographs of joint hypermobility, dislocations, bruising, skin manifestations, or use of mobility aids if relevant to your case. Visual evidence can help claims examiners understand the physical manifestations of EDS.
• Keep copies of all documents: Maintain an organized file with copies of your application, medical records submitted, forms completed, and all correspondence from the Social Security Administration. This documentation is essential if you need to appeal a denial.
• Prepare for potential denial: Understand that most initial EDS applications are denied due to the condition's complexity and lack of examiner familiarity with connective tissue disorders. Be prepared to appeal and consider legal representation to navigate the process effectively.
• Consider working with a disability lawyer: Legal representation significantly improves approval chances, especially for complex conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome that require strategic presentation of evidence. A lawyer ensures your case addresses multiple SSA listing criteria and effectively communicates your functional limitations.

Moving Forward With Your EDS Application

Applying for disability benefits with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome demands patience, detailed documentation, and strategic presentation of how this multi-system disorder prevents you from working. At Rainsbury Law Group, we help clients in Folsom navigate the complex application process, gather necessary medical evidence from multiple specialists, and pursue appeals when claims are initially denied. Contact us today to discuss your EDS disability claim and learn how we can assist you in securing the benefits you need to support yourself while managing this challenging condition.

Get Help With Your EDS Disability Claim Today

Don't let the complexity of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome disability claims overwhelm you. At Rainsbury Law Group in Folsom, our social security disability lawyers understand how EDS affects every aspect of your life, and we're here to help you secure the benefits you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case. We work on a contingency basis—you pay nothing unless we win your claim.