3 MAJOR DISABILITIES RELATED TO LONG COVID: WHEN “JUST A VIRUS” TURNS INTO SOMETHING MORE
For many Americans, COVID-19 was just a temporary illness. But for others, the effects never went away. Years later, some are still dealing with a cluster of stubborn symptoms that refuse to fade—what doctors now call Long COVID. This lingering condition can affect every part of the body.
In some cases, it’s become so severe that it qualifies as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), even if COVID isn’t referred to specifically. People with Long Covid can also apply for SSDI if their limitations are severe.
The tricky part? Long COVID doesn’t look the same for everyone. Symptoms can come and go, or hit hard even after light activity. Some people bounce back quickly; others find their health has changed for good.
While Long COVID can cause a wide range of health problems, three main categories of disabilities are most commonly reported. These include:
1. COGNITIVE AND NEUROLOGICAL DISABILITIES
One of the most common and frustrating effects of Long COVID is “brain fog.” People describe it as a mix of forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, slowed thinking, and general mental exhaustion. These everyday issues can make simple tasks — like reading a form or following a conversation — surprisingly difficult. As such, “brain fog” after Long COVID can disrupt people’s ability to work, study, or manage daily life.
Post-exertional malaise (PEM) is another disability affecting many Long COVID patients’ ability to manage their daily lives. It’s crushing fatigue that sets in after even small amounts of physical or mental effort and is closely linked to brain fog. This symptom mirrors that seen in conditions like Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and can last for days.
One study of 156 patients at Mount Sinai School of Medicine (Tabacof et al., 2022) found that more than 78% had debilitating fatigue and 63% had cognitive impairment, and that full-time employment dropped from 76% (pre-COVID) to 41% (post-COVID). The patient average age was approximately 44, and most patients in the study were not hospitalized for COVID. (Most SSDI recipients are over the age of 50.)
Some patients also develop broader neurological problems such as headaches, dizziness, nerve pain, or, in rare cases, seizures and strokes. Studies have found signs of ongoing inflammation and changes in brain structure that may explain why these symptoms persist.
Key Research Findings on Long COVID and Disability
The 2022 Mount Sinai study identified several findings that are relevant to how the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates Long COVID in disability claims:
Long-term functional impact: Many individuals experience reduced daily function and work participation lasting beyond 12 months, meeting the SSA’s duration requirement for disability.
Severity comparable to other disabling conditions: Functional limitations in Long COVID are often as severe—or more severe—than those seen in other work-debilitating illnesses, such as chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia.
Evidence based on clinical evaluation: Because there is no universal biomarker for Long COVID, the diagnosis and documentation rely heavily on patient-reported symptoms, medical records, and physician assessments—the same types of evidence the SSA uses to determine disability.
Functional evidence matters: Reports detailing how fatigue, brain fog, and cardiopulmonary symptoms limit residual functional capacity (RFC) can be critical in SSDI cases.
These findings underscore that Long COVID can meet the SSA’s definition of disability when it causes lasting, medically documented limitations that prevent sustained work activity.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates cognitive and neurological conditions under several sections of its Blue Book, including 11.00 (Neurological Disorders) and 12.02 (Neurocognitive Disorders). When Long COVID leads to lasting issues with memory, attention, processing speed, or mental fatigue, these listings may be relevant in determining whether the condition qualifies as a disabling impairment.
Mental Health Challenges and Long COVID
Mental health challenges are another serious concern. Living with unpredictable symptoms can take a toll, leading to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among people with Long COVID.
Other nervous system complications include autonomic dysfunction, when the body struggles to regulate automatic processes like heart rate and blood pressure. A condition called POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) can cause rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and fainting when standing up.
Some people also experience lingering sensory changes, including loss or distortion of smell and taste, making eating or enjoying food difficult. Sleep problems such as insomnia and restless nights are common, adding to fatigue and brain fog.
Because mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD can substantially limit daily functioning, the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates these impairments under the Blue Book Section 12.00 – Mental Disorders, which includes listings like 12.04 (Depressive Disorders), 12.06 (Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders), and 12.15 (Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders). When Long COVID symptoms involve ongoing emotional distress or cognitive dysfunction, these listings may be particularly relevant in an SSDI evaluation. Over 900,000 workers receive disability payments for Depressive, bipolar, and other similar disorders.
2. CARDIOPULMONARY DISABILITIES
The heart and lungs are often hit hard by Long COVID. Persistent shortness of breath (dyspnea) is one of the most reported symptoms. Even mild activity — walking up a few stairs, carrying groceries — can leave someone winded.
Ongoing chest pain and heart palpitations may indicate heart muscle inflammation or damage to blood vessels. Research has shown that Long COVID survivors can face a higher risk of developing new heart conditions, blood clots, or reduced lung function – issues that can severely limit stamina and mobility.
Because Long COVID can cause lasting damage to the heart and lungs, the SSA reviews these conditions under Blue Book listings 3.00 (Respiratory Disorders) and 4.00 (Cardiovascular System). These sections cover problems like shortness of breath, chest pain, or reduced oxygen levels—symptoms that can make even simple physical activity feel like hard labor and may qualify as disabling when persistent.
3. MUSCULOSKELETAL AND PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
Long COVID can also affect muscles and joints, leaving people with widespread pain, stiffness, or weakness. Tasks that once felt effortless — lifting, bending, walking — can become challenging.
Some patients experience generalized muscle weakness or a loss of physical endurance that doesn’t improve with rest. This can impair mobility and make everyday tasks, like cooking or driving, exhausting.
For others, these symptoms create functional limitations in both basic activities of daily living (like bathing or dressing) and more complex ones (like shopping, managing finances, or household chores). These limitations can disrupt not just physical health but independence and social life.
Because Long COVID can cause ongoing pain, weakness, or loss of endurance, the SSA reviews these symptoms under Blue Book listings 1.00 (Musculoskeletal Disorders) and 14.00 (Immune System Disorders). These sections cover conditions that limit mobility, joint function, or the ability to perform physical tasks—issues that can make daily life and full-time work physically draining or even impossible when symptoms persist.
When Long COVID Becomes a Recognized Disability
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq., a person is considered to have a disability if a physical or mental impairment “substantially limits one or more major life activities,” such as working, breathing, concentrating, or caring for oneself.
Protections for the disabled also appear in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. § 794) and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. § 18116)—laws that prohibit discrimination by employers, schools, and healthcare programs.
Importantly, the ADA makes clear that even when symptoms come and go, protections still apply. Federal law specifically states that if symptoms would substantially limit a major life activity when they occur, the person remains covered, even if those symptoms are episodic or in remission (42 U.S.C. § 12102(4)(D)).
In simple terms, these laws ensure that people living with Long COVID have the right to fair treatment and reasonable support—like flexible work arrangements or other accommodations—to help them stay productive and protected while managing ongoing symptoms.
How ADA Disability Differs from SSDI Disability
It’s important to know that “disability” doesn’t mean the same thing under every law. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) use different legal definitions and serve different purposes.
The ADA is a civil rights law—its goal is to prevent discrimination and ensure equal access to work, education, and public life for people with health conditions that “substantially limit one or more major life activities.”
SSDI, on the other hand, is a federal benefits program managed by the Social Security Administration that provides monthly income to people who are unable to work because of a severe, long-term medical condition. To qualify, the SSA applies specific rules outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and the SSA’s “Blue Book” listings.
In short, the ADA protects your rights, while SSDI provides financial support when your condition prevents you from working. You can read our guide on SSDI Rules and Regulations to learn more.
BOTTOM LINE
Long COVID isn’t “just being tired.” It’s a complex condition that can impact the brain, heart, lungs, muscles, and mental health — sometimes in ways that last a long time. Recognizing these symptoms as potential disabilities helps ensure that people get the SSDI benefits, understanding, and protection they deserve under the law.
For those living with the daily challenges of Long COVID, acknowledgment is the first step toward healing. From compassionate medical care to workplace protections and community support, every step toward understanding brings people closer to reclaiming stability and hope.
Frequently Asked Questions About Long COVID Disabilities
Q: Can Long COVID qualify for Social Security Disability (SSDI)?
A: Yes. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that Long COVID can be disabling when symptoms prevent a person from working full-time for at least 12 months. Even though Long COVID isn’t listed specifically in the SSA’s “Blue Book,” applicants may qualify if their symptoms meet or equal listings for related conditions—such as chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disorders, or neurological impairments.
Q: How does the SSA define “disability” compared to the ADA?
A: The ADA and SSDI have different legal definitions and purposes. The ADA protects against discrimination and ensures equal access to employment and services. SSDI, by contrast, is a benefit program providing monthly income to people who cannot maintain full-time work due to severe, long-term medical conditions. The SSA’s criteria are detailed in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and the Blue Book listings.
Q: What kind of medical evidence is needed to support a Long COVID claim?
A: The SSA looks for strong, consistent medical documentation. This includes test results, clinical notes, treatment records, and statements from healthcare providers describing how symptoms affect your ability to function. Documentation showing how fatigue, brain fog, or breathing issues limit your residual functional capacity (RFC) is especially important.
Q: What if my Long COVID symptoms come and go?
A: Fluctuating symptoms are common with Long COVID. The SSA evaluates your overall functioning over time, not just good days. Detailed records showing recurring episodes, post-exertional crashes, or flare-ups help show the long-term impact on your ability to work.
Q: What Blue Book listings might apply to Long COVID?
A: Depending on your symptoms, several SSA Blue Book listings may be relevant, including:
11.00 (Neurological Disorders) and 12.02 (Neurocognitive Disorders) for brain fog and cognitive problems.
3.00 (Respiratory Disorders) and 4.00 (Cardiovascular System) for heart and lung issues.
1.00 (Musculoskeletal Disorders) for mobility and endurance limitations.
12.04 (Depressive Disorders) and 12.06 (Anxiety Disorders) for mental health effects.
Each case depends on how the condition affects your ability to function consistently over time.
REFERENCES
Fleischer, N. L., Slocum, E., Patel, A., Xie, Y., McKane, P., Lyon-Callo, S., & Hirschtick, J. L. (2025). Long COVID and New Onset Disability Nearly 2 Years After Initial Infection. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 68(6), 1168–1172.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749379725000765
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2022). Long COVID: Examining Long-Term Health Effects of COVID-19 and Implications for the Social Security Administration: Proceedings of a Workshop.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585190/
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) & U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). (2021, July 26). Guidance on “Long COVID” as a Disability Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504, and Section 1557.
https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-providers/civil-rights-covid19/guidance-long-covid-disability/
University of Chicago Legal Forum. (2022). Long COVID and temporary conditions as disabilities under the ADA.
https://legal-forum.uchicago.edu/print-archive/long-covid-and-temporary-conditions-disabilities-under-ada
U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division. (n.d.). Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended. ADA.gov. Retrieved November 1, 2025, from https://www.ada.gov/law-and-regs/ada/
U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management, Civil Rights Center. (n.d.). Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/oasam/centers-offices/civil-rights-center/statutes/section-504-rehabilitation-act-of-1973
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (n.d.). Disability. Retrieved November 1, 2025, from https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/disability/index.html
United States Code. (n.d.). 42 U.S.C. § 12102(4)(D). Retrieved November 1, 2025, from https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title42/chapter126&edition=prelim
U.S. Social Security Administration. (2024). Annual Statistical Report on the Social Security Disability Insurance Program, 2023 (Section 1b: Number, rate, and distribution of beneficiaries by diagnostic group). Office of Research, Evaluation, and Statistics. https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/statcomps/di_asr/2023/sect01b.pdf
