CHESS is an acronym that stands for the Chronic Pain, Hardship, Emotional Distress, Social Security, which are four factors that may be considered in a long-term disability claim.
- Chronic Pain refers to the level and duration of pain that an individual is experiencing as a result of their disability. It is important to document the severity of the pain and how it affects daily activities.
- Hardship refers to the challenges that the individual faces in performing daily tasks and maintaining a normal life due to their disability. This can include difficulties in personal care, household tasks, and employment.
- Emotional Distress refers to the psychological impact of the disability, including depression, anxiety, and stress. It is important to document how the disability has affected the individual’s mental health and how it impacts their ability to function.
- Social Security refers to the individual’s eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits. The Social Security Administration has its own criteria for determining disability, and the individual’s eligibility for these benefits can be an important factor in a long-term disability claim.
The CHESS framework can be used to evaluate the severity and impact of a disability on an individual’s life, and can help support a long-term disability claim by providing documentation of the individual’s physical, emotional, and financial challenges.
