Long Covid is real. Many people who were diagnosed with Covid-19 and recovered from the initial illness now describe symptoms that cannot be verified by objective medical tests. They become exhausted with normal exertion. They forget simple words. Their hearts race and flutter. Yet neurological exams are normal, EKGs are normal and chest X-rays detect no abnormalities.
While Social Security issued an emergency message last year to provide guidance on the evaluation of disability claims involving Long Covid, three U.S. Senators recently asked the Acting Commissioner of Social Security to revise her approach. They write: “Although SSA has taken steps to facilitate applications for those living with long COVID, existing SSA guidance requires applicants to provide a positive COVID-19 test or diagnosis with limited exceptions, which many living with long COVID cannot produce. We are concerned that, as currently drafted, this guidance may inappropriately limit access to disability benefits for those with long COVID. We urge you to revise this testing requirement.”