Thyroid Gland Disorders Can Lead to The Need For Social Security Disability

Hormones control many body processes. The thyroid, a butterfly shaped organ located in the throat area, produces hormones that “influences almost all of the metabolic processes in the body.” A problem with the thyroid can impact multiple body systems impacting an individual's ability to not only work, but perform regular daily functions.

Possible Thyroid Conditions

If the thyroid is damaged or malfunctions, a number of conditions can occur. Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid produces not enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid cancer is another disorder involving this organ.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism symptoms manifest as “speeding up the body's processes and an individual may experience nervousness, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, hand tremors, excessive sweating, weight loss, and sleep problems.” Hyperthyroidism can be caused by nodules on the thyroid or by an inflammation of the thyroid called thyroiditis. Hyperthyroidism can also be caused by ingesting too much iodine from foods or supplements.

Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed by a blood test. Hyperthyroidism is treated with medications that interfere with the production of thyroid hormone. Radioactive iodine therapy can also be used to damage the hormone production cells.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism symptoms manifest as fatigue, weakness, weight gain, hair loss, depression, among others. Hypothyroidism can be caused by damage to the thyroid that reduces its capacity to produce enough thyroid hormone. It is also possible for hypothyroidism to be caused by radioactive iodine therapy to resolve hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is diagnosed by a blood test. Treatment is usually by one of “several types of thyroid preparations” dependent on the individual.

Thyroid Cancer

There are four main types of thyroid cancer: papillary thyroid cancer, follicular thyroid cancer, medullary thyroid cancer, and anaplastic thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer “symptoms include a hoarse voice, neck pain, and enlarged lymph nodes.”

Papillary and follicular thyroid cancers are very treatable and can be cured by removing the infected thyroid lobe and most likely the other lobe. Medullary thyroid cancer is very aggressive cancer and requires total removal of the thyroid and the nearest lymph nodes. Anaplastic thyroid cancer has low survival rates and requires highly aggressive treatment.

Social Security Disability

As with all Social Security Disability (SSD) determinations, the focus is on how the condition impacts an individual's ability to work. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can be treated and an individual can live a normal life. But thyroid conditions can impact the heart and vascular system. While thyroid conditions are listed under endocrine disorders by the Social Security Administration (SSA), it tends to be the impacts on other bodily systems that produce the conditions the impact an individual's daily life. The SSA evaluates “thyroid-related changes in blood pressure and heart rate that cause arrhythmias or other cardiac dysfunction; thyroid-related weight loss; hypertensive cerebrovascular accidents (strokes); and cognitive limitations, mood disorders, and anxiety.”

While your doctor assists you to stay healthy of body, let our experienced attorney assist you to have peace of mind. With all the documentation required when applying for SSD, let us track the details for you.