Is RLS aka Willis Ekbom Syndrome clas... - Restless Legs Syn...

Restless Legs Syndrome

22,278 members16,301 posts

Is RLS aka Willis Ekbom Syndrome classed as a disability?

Kingjo profile image
6 Replies

I have just read through the Equality Act 2010 and I believe that this disease is covered. Does anyone know if it is a disability?

Written by
Kingjo profile image
Kingjo
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
6 Replies
DicCarlson profile image
DicCarlson

In the USA it probably is - however most of the information is from law firms that specialize in helping clients get benefits.

in reply toDicCarlson

It’s not, unfortunately, unless you prove it’s “medically determinable impairment” which is not fair if you ask me since there isn’t a “test” per say. I was diagnosed after participating in an overnight sleep study and my legs were flying. I wish for the days where that was the only problem. RLS is excruciating and can keep even the hugest pain tolerant patient awake at night. I’m with you both. Pain is pain! I don’t even get disability with my fibromyalgia. I would need a lawyer and I don’t have the money at the moment. Good luck to you both!!!!

DicCarlson profile image
DicCarlson in reply to

Some info on Fibro and SSA...

secure.ssa.gov/poms.NSF/lnx...

Joolsg profile image
Joolsg

I am a retired lawyer Kingo and I agree with you. I believe RLS does fall within the definition as set out in the UK Equality Act 2010, BUT employers will most definitely try to dispute/fight this and they know it will be for the employee to prove they fall within the Act. Citizens Advice Or Unions may help.

This is Legislation that applies in England & Wales so will not help visitors from USA or Australia.

LotteM profile image
LotteM in reply toJoolsg

Or The Netherlands! Here, it depends on how RLS affects your daily life. Your degree of disability is assessed by how much you can do (as opposed to not do) and how much you can earn with your remaining ability relative to what you earned before. Unfair to people who didn’t earn much when they were still fully able - but that is off topic. Anyway, proving that your ability to work is much reduced because you’re so tired is not easy. Usually the tiredness and exhaustion don’t show at first or second or even umpteenth glance.

Joolsg profile image
Joolsg in reply toLotteM

I agree Lotte.

The Equality Act does not help you obtain benefits in the UK, it sets out what the employer must do to help you in the workplace by making reasonable adjustments, like changing shift times.

It is very difficult to get benefits now in the UK and the Equalities Act won’t help with that.Benefits are covered by separate legislation and you have to fill out detailed forms and get medical evidence to back up your claims. It is almost impossible to get benefits now.

Jools

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

RLS, Willis Ekbom DISEASE and Ekbom SYNDROME

Ekbom syndrome is the psychosis that causes people to think REAL bugs are actually crawling under...
nightdancer profile image

Heat and Willis-Ekbom Disease (RLS) Symptom Exacerbation

I am one of those individuals that is quite bothered by heat (don't ask me why I live in Florida)....

how can RLS be classed as a sleep disorder ?

How can RLS be classed as a sleep disorder when you can have an attack at anytime day or night...

Does anyone know what Spanish (Castillan) for Restless Legs Syndrome/Willis Ekbom Disease is?

I may be travelling to Spain soon and wondered what they call our condition out there? Does anyone...
Tpebop profile image

Apparently RLS is now now classed in America as a psychiatric disorder!

In the Huff post for healthy living I have just read in an article by Mark Rubinstein, that the...

Moderation team

Kaarina profile image
KaarinaAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.