“I Can’t Work Anymore, But I Don’t Look Sick”: How SSD Handles Invisible Illnesses

Struggling with a condition that no one can see but makes working impossible can feel overwhelming. This blog is here to help you understand your rights and options. Learn how Social Security Disability (SSD) handles invisible illnesses and how you can strengthen your claim for the benefits you deserve.

If you’re living with chronic pain, migraines, autoimmune disorders, long COVID, depression, anxiety, or another condition that affects your ability to work, you’ve probably heard some version of:

“But you don’t look sick.”

Invisible illnesses can be isolating. You may be struggling every day just to function—yet feel judged by coworkers, friends, or even family because your condition isn’t outwardly obvious. And when you’re no longer able to keep working, applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) can feel overwhelming. Many people fear they won’t be believed or that their condition won’t be taken seriously simply because it can’t be easily measured on a scan or seen by others.

At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, we want you to know this: your symptoms are real, your struggle is valid, and help is available. SSD benefits are specifically designed to protect people with both visible and invisible disabilities. And with the right evidence and guidance, you can qualify.

How Social Security evaluates invisible illnesses

The Social Security Administration (SSA) doesn’t approve disability claims based on a diagnosis alone—especially for conditions that don’t show up clearly on imaging or lab tests. Instead, they look at how your symptoms limit your ability to work.

Here’s how SSA approaches invisible illnesses:

The SSA focuses on “functional limitations,” not appearances

SSA wants to understand:

• How long you can sit, stand, or walk
• How often symptoms interrupt your workday
• Whether you can concentrate, remember tasks, or maintain attendance
• Whether you can lift, reach, type, or perform routine activities

So even if you “look fine,” SSA can still approve your claim based on how your condition impacts your daily functioning.

How the SSA evaluates medical conditions commonly considered “invisible”

Chronic pain and fibromyalgia

SSA acknowledges chronic pain disorders—especially fibromyalgia—but they require:

• A long history of treatment
• Consistent reports of pain levels
• Documentation from specialists when possible
• Evidence that pain affects your ability to work

Autoimmune disorders (Lupus, RA, MS, etc.)

These conditions often flare up unpredictably. SSA evaluates:

• Frequency and severity of flare-ups
• Impact on mobility, stamina, and cognitive functioning
• Side effects from medications (fatigue, brain fog, nausea)

Migraines

Because migraines don’t appear on imaging, SSA looks for:

• Neurology evaluations
• Patterns showing repeated, debilitating migraine episodes
• Evidence showing how often migraines force you to miss work or lie down

Long COVID

One of the newest—and most misunderstood—disabilities. SSA considers:

• Chronic fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Cognitive dysfunction (“brain fog”)
• Post-exertional malaise
• Impact on daily stamina and concentration

Mental health disabilities

 Conditions like depression, PTSD, and anxiety disorders are evaluated based on:

• Changes in mood, energy, and ability to function
• Frequency of panic attacks or episodes
• Difficulty staying focused, interacting with others, or handling stress

How to strengthen your SSD claim for an invisible illness

Since these conditions can’t always be “seen” on tests, documentation is everything. Here’s what helps:

1. Consistent medical treatment

Gaps in treatment can hurt your claim—even if they’re due to lack of insurance. If this applies to you, we can help explain this to SSA. However, the SSA wants to see:

• Regular doctor visits
• Ongoing treatment
• Medication management
• Referrals to specialists

2. Detailed medical records

SSA relies heavily on physician notes, not just test results. Your medical records should describe:

• Your symptoms
• How often they occur
• How severe they are
• How they interfere with daily functioning

3. Symptom tracking

Keeping a log of flare-ups, migraines, fatigue episodes, or mental health struggles can be persuasive evidence.

4. Statements from employers, caregivers or family

They can help show SSA how your condition affects real-world activities.

5. Honesty and consistency

Don’t downplay your symptoms, but don’t exaggerate them either. Accurate, consistent reporting is crucial.

Why claims for invisible illnesses are often denied

Unfortunately, many initial SSD claims involving chronic pain, migraines, long COVID, or mental health conditions are denied because:

• The condition doesn’t show up on medical scans
• SSA says there isn’t “objective evidence”
• The application lacks detailed documentation
• The applicant didn’t know how to explain limitations clearly

A denial does not mean you’re not disabled, and it doesn’t mean your case is over.

Denied benefits? Our disability attorneys can help you appeal

Call 866-930-6435 for a free consultation with our Florida SSD attorneys

At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, we’ve helped thousands of Florida residents win disability benefits, even after an initial denial.

We understand invisible illnesses. We know what evidence SSA needs. And we know how to present your case so that your symptoms and struggles are taken seriously. If your claim was denied, or if you’re overwhelmed by the process, you don’t have to navigate this alone.

Our disability team is here to fight for the benefits you deserve.

Call 866-930-6435 to schedule your free consultation today.