As today is World AIDS Day, we would like to remind people that there are millions of people currently living with HIV and AIDS worldwide, as almost one in seven people are unaware that they are infected.
Unfortunately, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gay and bisexual men, and African Americans, are the most likely to suffer from HIV. Additionally, the agency reported that about one in four people who are expected to become infected are currently between the ages of 13-24.
Presently, there are about 1.2 million people 13 years and older living with HIV in America. Worldwide, an estimated 35 million people are infected.
“HIV” stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This virus attacks a person’s immune system, making them unable to fight other infections and diseases. “AIDS” stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome—it is the final stage of HIV infection.
To reduce your chances of becoming infected, you can choose to engage in less risky sexual behaviors and wear condoms during intercourse. Additionally, if your partner has HIV, you can talk to your doctor about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medicine you can take daily to prevent infection.
If you are worried you may be infected, you should be tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). For more information about AIDS and HIV, you can visit the source link on the bottom of this page.
Qualifying for Social Security with HIV and AIDS
It should be noted that when the Social Security Administration (SSA) receives an application from someone with AIDS or HIV, it usually processes the claim quickly. In order to obtain Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), if you have AIDS or HIV, you may have to provide the agency with laboratory evidence.
Additionally, the agency may ask about symptoms, as you must be able to prove that your illness makes it impossible for you to work.
Fortunately, effective treatments have been developed for people with HIV and AIDS over the last two decades that can help keep people healthy for extended periods, allowing them to work. While this is great news for those suffering, it can affect a person’s ability to collect disability benefits.
If you are interested in receiving SSDI, we offer free evaluations of your case. Our attorneys are here to assist you through this process.
Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security disability attorneys
Source: http://aids.gov/news-and-events/awareness-days/world-aids-day/
