      
  306 reviews

Full-Service Law Firm

Applying for Disability Benefits After Fighting Lyme Disease

Focused, personal representation for Tennessee families and businesses, with offices in Nashville and Memphis.

Last Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Read Time: 3 mins

You probably already know that Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by a deer tick bite. You may also know that Lyme Disease may remiss and then exacerbate later on and that someone infected with Lyme Disease may be facing symptoms that leave them unable to maintain employment. If you cannot work due to your symptoms and are deciding if you should apply for disability, read the general information below to gauge your situation.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease Can Disable
The severity of Lyme Disease SYmptoms can vary between the afflicted, but there are some general symptoms that present themselves in three stages. They tend to get worse as they go untreated, so be sure to visit a physician right away.

STAGE ONE: DAYS TO WEEKS AFTER BITE

1. Symptoms begin to appear.

1. Headache, body ache, and flu-like symptoms begin to present themselves.

There is a telltale bulls eye rash that typically develops where the bite occurred at this stage.

STAGE TWO: WEEKS TO MONTHS AFTER BITE

1. More severe muscle pain begins accompanied by joint and tendon pain.

1. Muscle control of the face decreases.

1. Dizziness, shooting pain, heart problems, sleeplessness, and changing mental state are all developing at this stage.

Encephalitis, or swelling of the brain, can begin to cause memory loss, mood shifts and changes in sleeping patterns.

STAGE THREE: MONTHS TO YEARS AFTER BITE

1. The neurological system is beginning to experience serious chronic symptoms.

Two illnesses may develop at this stage:

Lyme Encephalopathy: causes issues with concentration and short term memory loss.

Chronic Encephalomyelitis: causes cognitive issues, impacted ability to walk and move facial muscles, vertigo, overall pain and bladder incontinence.

How Symptoms Influence Ability to Work

An experienced attorney can inform you that these symptoms and others not listed here can significantly change your ability to perform daily tasks. Besides physical symptoms, the mental toll is expressed through changes in your emotional state, a detachment from reality, increased anxiety, delusions and more. You may even have difficulty doing things like making plans and scheduling, or remembering things in the short term.

Lyme Disease is not listed in the Social Security Blue Book of impairments. This means it will be difficult to convince Social Security that you deserve benefits and you will probably not get an automatic approval like someone would if they met a listed condition.

What Our Legal Team Can Do For You

Lyme Disease Symptoms cause many limitations that are obvious to sufferers. However, it may be difficult to convince Social Security by yourself. Our team has gone through the process before and can direct you when filling out paperwork and assure you have completed it thoroughly and properly. If you have never done this before, it is best to have someone on your side to guide you through the process.

If you have suffered disabling symptoms of Lyme Disease and are unable to work, contact an experienced lawyer such as the social security lawyer Memphis TN locals turn to. Do not be intimidated by Social Security.

Thanks to authors at Darrel Castle & Associates PLLC for insight into Disability Law.

Patterson Bray

20+ Years of Experience

24/7 Call Answering

Nashville & Memphis Offices

We're Here to Help

Reach out to Patterson Bray and an attorney will follow up with you soon.

Client Reviews

    
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nancy Wallace 
 2 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you are looking to do estate planning, go with Patterson Bray! They are excellent to deal with!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Cheryl Adkins 
 3 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We loved the staff at Patterson Bray.  Everyone was very professional.  Judith was very thorough and explained everything extremely well.  We would recommend Patterson Bray to anyone.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Hailey Wade 
 27 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Patterson Bray PLLC did an excellent job with my grandmother's estate planning, and made everything easy to understand! She recommended them to a friend who went and is also very satisfied with their services.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Deb Clark 
 32 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My experience with this firm, particularly Judith Denham has been truly exceptional.  From the consultation to the finish, the attention to detail, listening and responding to my needs.  My documents were completed timely and professionally.  I highly recommend Patterson Bray.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Tanya White 
 32 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. PattersonBray Estate Planning was an incredible firm to work with setting up our Trust. Judith Denham was thorough, very smart, and personable as she patiently explained each part.  Gabby put together  a very professional beautiful binder for us to have, and has answered questions we have had since  then. I am so glad they were recommended to us, and we had them to walk us through this procedure.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Charmaine Sego 
 33 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Patterson Bray did a great job with my mother's trust.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Phil Chamberlain 
 49 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Patterson Bray PLLC - first class lawyers.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Catherine McGee 
 69 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Heath Taylor was a genuine joy to work with during my divorce: straight forward, professional, and knowledgeable. I do hope I never have the need to acquire more legal help, but if I do, he'll be my first call. Thank you for everything, Heath!!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Marva Johnson 
 75 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I FOUND PATTERSON BRAY AND JUDITH DENHAM TO BE PROFESSIONAL, VERY THOROUGH, AND PERSONAL. I DID NOT FEEL LIKE A CLIENT, BUT A PERSON. I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH THEM, ESPECIALLY JUDITH AND GABBY. VERY GRATEFUL FOR ASSISTANCE.
M.JOHNSON
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Pam Nicole 
 76 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We set up a trust with Judith, at Patterson Bray and we received excellent service. Everything was explained thoroughly and everyone was very friendly and professional. I would definitely use her and the firm again, if needed.

View All

Legal Options After the Frayser Shooting

Two men were hospitalized in life-threatening condition after a shooting in the Frayser neighborhood of Memphis on Wednesday afternoon. Police say the suspects fled on foot, and no one has...

Read This Blog

How do I ensure my child’s inheritance is protected from divorce?

Transcript: 00:00:00 There's a few ways that parents typically leave their children their inheritances. I would say most typically parents tend to leave their adult children their inheritance outright....

Read This Blog

How do I file a probate case in Tennessee?

Transcript: 00:00:00 So, probate is initiated in the county where the deceased resided at the time of their death. And this is done by filing a petition to open...

Read This Blog

Applying for Disability Benefits After Fighting Lyme Disease

Patterson Bray

Blog & News

Legal Options After the Frayser Shooting

How do I ensure my child’s inheritance is protected from divorce?

How do I file a probate case in Tennessee?