Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) with Long COVID or ME/CFS is complex—and often discouraging. Many people are denied early and don’t understand why.

In this episode, Dr Khan speaks with disability attorney Barbara Comerford, who has spent 30+ years helping clients navigate disability claims for complex, hard-to-document conditions.

We break down:

How SSDI actually works (and who qualifies)
Why most claims are denied—and what that really means
The 5-step process Social Security uses to evaluate your case
What evidence matters for conditions like Long COVID
When to hire a lawyer—and how to strengthen your claim

This is a practical guide to help you understand the system and make more informed decisions.

Chapter Markers (Streamlined)

00:00 Why SSDI matters for Long COVID
06:45 Who qualifies + how SSDI actually works
12:30 The 5-step disability evaluation process
25:00 Why claims get denied (and how to appeal)
40:30 Evidence, lawyers, and how to strengthen your case

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Social Security Administration (SSA)
https://www.ssa.gov/

Check your earnings record and quarters of coverage to confirm SSDI eligibility.
Tri-State Disability Law
Barbara Comerford’s law firm (SSDI and long-term disability cases) 866-444-6939
Workwell Foundation
Guidance on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and instructions for the NASA Lean Test (dysautonomia assessment)
Bateman Horne Center
Educational resources on ME/CFS, Long COVID, and disability
Project ECHO
Webinar series referenced in the episode (including sessions on disability and chronic illness)

Key Tools & Concepts Referenced

NASA Lean Test – low-cost way to document dysautonomia symptoms
CPET (Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing) – objective measure of exertional intolerance
Neuropsychological Testing – documents cognitive impairment (brain fog, processing speed)
Symptom Journaling – daily tracking of function (sitting, standing, cognitive stamina) to support claims

Support the show

Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe

Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee