Can I Continue Working After an Organ Transplant?

If you have suffered organ failure that required an organ transplant, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if you can no longer work and earn a living. As an example, an individual who has undergone a lung transplant, a kidney transplant, a heart transplant, or a liver transplant will qualify for disability benefits for 12 months following the procedure and then they will be reevaluated to determine if they still qualify for disability benefits or if they are capable of returning to work.

How an Organ Transplant Can Affect Your Physical Capacity For Work

If you have an organ transplant, you will be affected physically. You will be unable to lift, carry, drag, or reach for a while. You will be limited on how far you can walk, and you will not be able to stand for extended periods. You will have to change positions frequently. You will also find it difficult to sit upright for long time frames, and you may find that you require frequent rest breaks.

How an Organ Transplant Can Affect Your Mental Capacity For Work

You will also be affected mentally by an organ transplant. The wait for the transplant can be stressful and lead to anxiety. You may also suffer from depression. The time after the transplant is also trying, and you may find it difficult to stay focused and you may find your memory isn’t up to par. It may be difficult to learn new tasks and staying focused long enough to complete your task may be too difficult.

You will be on medications to help prevent your body from rejecting the organ. You may also be on anti-depressants. These medications may also affect your mood, cause drowsiness, and affect your ability to drive, operate machinery, or use equipment. All these combined can make it impossible to work and earn a living. You will need to maintain thorough records that show your restrictions and limitations.

Can I Continue Working After an Organ Transplant?

An Organ Transplant and Applying For Social Security Disability

Medical records and strong supporting evidence are essential to a successful disability claim. The Social Security Administration (SSA) must be able to confirm your symptoms and their severity as well as your ability to work and perform routine tasks. Without medical records confirming your diagnosis, confirming the need for a transplant, detailing the surgery, and specifying your restrictions and limitations so it becomes clear as to what you can and cannot do.

Documentation is the key to a successful claim. Complete the Free Case Evaluation form on this page to have the details of your case reviewed by an attorney in your state who handles Social Security Disability claims for claimants who need or who have had organ transplants. A lawyer will help make sure you have as much documentation you need to support your claim.

SSD attorneys operate on what is known as contingency fees. This means that you do not have to pay for the lawyer’s service until you win your claim. The lawyers fees will then be built into your awarded back pay. Get your Free Case Evaluation today!

Additional Resources

Find Out If I Qualify for Benefits!