If you are applying for disability benefits with the social security administration ssa, you may qualify on the basis of medical evidence alone if you are not working and you have an impairment that is as medically severe as an impairment listed in the ssas listing of impairments also known as the blue book. The social security administration has a publication called the blue book that lists all of the medical conditions that may qualify an individual for disability benefits, along with the criteria that must be met. Medical criteria needed to qualify with sjogrens syndrome. Alternately, applicants may document the limitations lupus causes and seek benefits through a medical vocational allowance. Lupus is a severe impairment if it prevents a person from working at a selfsupportive level social security has a monthly earnings amount that it considers self supporting sga. Social security administration ssa processes hundreds of thousands of claims each year, and to help streamline the process, they have created a standardized list of qualifying disabilities that are all listed in the blue book of impairments.
Systemic lupus erythematosus, or simply lupus, is evaluated in the immune system section of the disability evaluation under social security disability handbook, more commonly known as the social security blue book. Meeting the blue book listing, those with lupus can qualify for disability benefits. How to get disability for lupus social security law center. If you suffer from lupus and your condition keeps you from working, it is important to know whether you qualify for social security disability benefits. Now, those with sjogrens syndrome can meet a listing specific to their illness. To help you with the information gathering process, here is the most relevant. While lupus is rarely lethal, it is almost always chronic and has no problems qualifying as a longterm, debilitating illness.
This listing includes syndromes with clinical and immunologic features of. The social security administration recognizes that lupus systemic lupus erythematosus can support a finding of disabled under social securitys definition. When the social security administration ssa looks over. Lupus social security disability winning case strategies.
Social security disability benefits for lupus if you meet the requirements of a listing set out in social security s list of qualifying impairments or show that he or she is unable to work, you may qualify for disability benefits for lupus. Sep 01, 2012 the new 8th edition of the disability workbook for social security applicants has been called an invaluable guide for understanding and navigating the social security disability insurance ssdi system. A joplin disability lawyer can help with disability claims. If your lupus has made work impossible or has significantly limited your ability to maintain fulltime, gainful employment, then you may be able to get approved for disability benefits through the social security administration ssa. Lupus is discussed in the social security administration s blue book listing of disabling conditions, in section 14 immune system disorders under paragraph 14. If you meet the requirements of a listing set out in social securitys list of qualifying impairments or show that he or she is unable to work, you may qualify for. The specific list of severe impairments used by the social security administration to decide disability cases from social security disability determination the blue book. The blue book is the official list of all disabilities that are eligible for benefits. Lupus is discussed in the social security administrations blue book listing of disabling conditions, in section 14 immune system disorders under paragraph 14. In addition to meeting the listing criteria, the disability must either last, or be expected to last 12 months, or result in death. Lupus is included on this list which means that you can more easily qualify for disability benefits due to lupus than some other conditions that are not on the list. Complications of lupus include heart disease, kidney disease, osteoporosis and organ damage. In order to apply for social security disability benefits, you can visit your local social security office in person or you can apply online. Immune system disorders may result in recurrent and unusual infections, or inflammation and dysfunction of the bodys own tissues.
This book lists many of the health conditions that qualify for social security disability insurance and supplemental security income. Lupus is specifically listed as one of social security s qualifying impairments in section 14. Social security maintains a listing level of impairments also known as the blue book. With such a wide variation of disorders and conditions, the social security administration created a guide for their own representatives and other physicians to determine if an applicant potentially qualifies for disability benefits. However, to receive social security disability with lupus you have to meet the qualifications. How to get disability assistance for chronic lupus aapd. If you have an autoimmune disorder that has become severe enough that you are unable to work anymore, you might be entitled to social security disability insurance ssdi benefits. The lupus disability listing appears in the immune system disorders section of the ssas blue book. The social security blue book listing of impairments alllaw. Lupus is a condition that is specifically listed in social securitys blue book listings of impairments. For social security s purposes, lupus qualifies as a disability when it meets these conditions. They can also cause lesser degrees of limitations in two or more organs or body systems, and when associated with symptoms or signs, such as severe fatigue, fever, malaise, diffuse musculoskeletal pain, or involuntary weight loss, can also result in extreme limitation.
Aug 20, 2017 social security disability with lupus social security maintains a listing level of impairments also known as the blue book. Disability evaluation under social security listing of impairments childhood listings part b. In order to determine whether or not you qualify medically, the ssa uses their blue book. Prescription assistance and social security disability. This listing includes syndromes with clinical and immunologic. What you should know one of the potential challenges of living with lupus is maintaining a successful work life. Sle is the only form of lupus that qualifies you for disability benefits. This simply means that to be approved for social security disability benefits for lupus an individual must meet the criteria established for the body system affected by lupus. Applicants may prove they meet the social security administrations criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus, which is recognized as a disabling condition in the ssa blue book of impairment listings. Social security disability with lupus harris guidi. Social security has a specific impairment listing in their disability guidebook or blue book, as it is more commonly known. Individuals can also qualify for social security disability for lupus if they can prove that they are unable to work due to the health problems caused by lupus. Lupus and social security disability citizens disability. Lupus and social security disability disability benefits center.
The social security administration recognizes that lupus systemic lupus erythematosus can support a finding of disabled under social security s definition. Disability workbook for social security applicants 8th. The list of impairments is essentially a blue book used by the social security administration to determine whether an individual meets the social security definition of disability. The disease typically affects the joints, kidneys, skin, and other organs. Does the social security administration offer lupus disability benefits. Mar 27, 2019 the social security administration ssa maintains a listing of medical impairments known as the blue book that automatically qualify you for social security disability insurance ssdi or supplemental security income ssi, provided certain conditions are met. Long waits and long odds for those who need social security disability.
To qualify for social security disability benefits a person must meet the requirements of the listing or prove that they are unable to work. If youre able to do this, you stand a good chance of receiving benefits. This listing is sometimes referred to as the blue book. Social security considers the affects of lupus as it does any other medical or mental impairment. Consult the blue book and retrieve test results confirming the severity of your lupus. To qualify for social security disability benefits a person must meet the requirements of. Fatigue, pain, and other symptoms can make it difficult to make it through a typical workday. A lupus flare can be unpredictable, and there is no way of predicting the length, frequency, or severity of a persons flares. This is the social security administrations list and information about disability impairments. How lupus sufferers qualify for social security disability. Applying for social security disability benefits with lupus. How the social security blue book of impairments can affect.
Social security disability rules for lupus law offices. If you can provide medical evidence to show that your ra meets the requirements listed in section 14. The blue book shows all of the listed disabling impairments in great detail that can make you automatically considered as disabled and thus eligible for social security disability benefits. An individual can meet the requirements of a listing set out in social security s list of qualifying impairments or show that he or she is unable to work. How to win my disability case for a lupus diagnosis. A letter that includes information from the social security blue book can be an enormous help. Jul 27, 2014 qualifying for social security disability with ra. Illinois social security disability benefits for lupus. That is basically because of the inherently complicated nature of the disorder itself. The blue book is very detailed in explaining the requirements needed and evaluated by the social security. Applying for social security disability benefits with. Systemic lupus erythematosus sle is a chronic inflammatory disease that. The social security administration ssa maintains a list of qualifying impairments in what is unofficially known as its blue book. Long waits and long odds for those who need social security.
For this, they consult the blue book, a list of all ssaapproved disorders. Social security maintains a list of official qualifying diseases, called its blue book, and. Sle or systemic lupus erythematosus is the most common form of. To be found disabled based on the listing requirements, a claimant must prove that their condition meets or equals the severity level detailed in listing 14. The blue book is the official list of impairments as compiled by the ssa. Revisions to rules regarding the evaluation of medical evidence. Additionally, social security will consider your age, education level, and work experience in determining your ability to work based on your overall functioning level. An inside look at the complexities of applying for social security disability when you have lupus. The ssa details how significant the functional impairments caused by lupus must be for it to qualify as a disability. Ram meyyappan, the senior editor and manager of social security disability help reached out to us at kaleidoscope fighting lupus in order to provide information to the populations we serve. We understand what the social security administration ssa needs to see to award disability for lupus. How to apply for disability benefits with lupus the new.
Social security disability rules for lupus law offices of john t. Conditions that qualify for social security disability. The dds may seek information beyond what is on the application from your doctor. Book, has been specially prepared to provide physicians and other health.
How the social security blue book of impairments can. Social security disability benefits for lupus nolo. How to apply for disability benefits for lupus disability. Listing of impairments overview disability claims process video series. How lupus qualifies for social security disability.
Jun 15, 2017 long waits and long odds for those who need social security disability. Medically qualifying for benefits with the blue book. The recent manual published in 2014 suggests lupus or systemic lupus erythematosus qualifies for disability benefits provided the claimant fulfills the criteria listed in the blue book. Lupus is one of the diseases specifically listed in social securitys listing of impairments. We are extremely educated in social security terminology, but we are aware that our clients may not fully understand what it takes to qualify for social security disability. Jul 22, 2016 in order to meet social security administration ssa medical eligibility rules however, your lupus must be severe and significantly decrease your ability to work or stop you from working entirely. Although the disease is classified as rare, it is an autoimmune disease which can be extremely difficult to cope. Meeting a listing is the easiest way to earn social security disability benefits. This is often a good sign, because it means there is enough. The ssas blue book of medical conditions lists lupus as a qualifying medical disorder. A disability lawyer from the disability advantage group, can handle your claim. The book has won the highly respected seal of approval of the lupus foundation of america, inc. Social security has a specific impairment listing in their disability blue book, as it is more commonly known. Although there is a specific listing for lupus in the social security disability handbook listing 14.
Social security evaluates the functional limitations imposed by lupus under a variety of other impairments depending upon which body system or systems are affected. Disability benefits for lupus or systemic lupus erythematosus. Meeting the blue book listing, those with lupus can qualify for disability. To qualify, an applicant must have lupus that either a affects two or more organsbody systems with moderate severity, or b results in repeated fevers, fatigue, malaise, or involuntary weight loss, as well as a limitation of daily living, social functioning, or completing tasks. Qualifying for disability benefits for a listed impairment nolo. In this situation, you deserve social security disability ssd benefits to replace the money you are no longer able to earn by working. The social security disability blue book contains more than 100 medical conditions, each with their own set of criteria that must be met to be considered disabled for ssd purposes. There is a specific listing for benign brain tumors in the blue book under listing 11.
To meet criteria needed for approval for a social security disability claim, you must prove lupus has severely affected two or more organs or body systems circulatory, nervous, endocrine, etc. Systemic lupus erythematosus sle or simply lupus is evaluated in the immune system section of the disability evaluation under social security disability handbook, more commonly known as the blue book. Lupus and social security disability insurance true help. Rheumatoid arthritis and social security disability benefits. Social security disability help is an informational resources on all things related to social security disability benefits. Discoid lupus is a form of lupus that attacks only the skin and causes a rash, but the social security administration ssa has an official disability listing only for systemic lupus erythematosus sle. The ssa recognizes lupus in its blue book under section 14. Ssa publishes a disability listing called the blue book. The ssa developed a guide known as the blue book in which lists the most common disabling conditions and the requirements needed for these conditions to qualify an individual for disability benefits. To confirm the diagnosis, we may need laboratory findings for example, results of a biopsy obtained independently of social security disability evaluation or blood tests or evidence from other medically acceptable methods consistent with the prevailing state of medical knowledge and clinical practice.
Disability evaluation under social security blue book september 2008 this edition of disability evaluation under social security, also known as the blue. Social security disability rules for lupus law offices of. Ssa judge allow disability to patient suffering with lupus after reading the case presentation. These symptoms are often at their most severe during periods of lupus flares. Medical summary reports sample medical summaries from the soar program, along with guidelines on how to create a medical summary report. Systemic lupus erythematosus sle is a chronic inflammatory disease that can. It provides a baseline for disordersboth physical and mentalthat the ssa feels will inhibit a persons ability to work, and consequently create the need for disability assistance. Lupus and social security disability symptoms of lupus can. Lupus lupus is a longterm autoimmune disease in which the bodys immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks normal, healthy tissue. Arthritis is considered under the musculoskeletal body system and has. City six years ago when her systemic lupus flared and left her unable to work.
Every applicant for disability benefits is compared to the ssas medical guide known as the blue book. The social security blue book is a guide of impairments that the social security administration ssa considers to be disabling enough to qualify for benefits. Qualifying for disability benefits for a listed impairment. Does lupus qualify as a disability for social security. Despite the fact that there is a specific listing for lupus in the social security blue book, the disability criteria for lupus is not as specific as it should be. An individual can meet the requirements of a listing set out in social securitys list of qualifying impairments or show that he or she is unable to work. In 2008, sjogrens syndrome was officially added to the blue book under section 14. All applications for social security disability benefits are evaluated both medically and financially by ssa staff. Sle or systemic lupus erythematosus is most commonly known as lupus, a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder. Other forms of lupus, like discoid lupus which attacks the skin, do not qualify. The blue book is a complicated resource for most people to. Getting social security disability for autoimmune disorders.
Immune system disorders can cause a deficit in a single organ or body system that results in extreme that is, very serious loss of function. Symptoms include inflammation, swelling, and damage to the joints, skin, kidneys, blood, heart, and lungs. The only type of lupus included in the blue book is systemic lupus erythematosus. If your medical records show you received a diagnosis listed in this book and you meet the severity criteria for that condition, and you meet all other applicable qualifications, you likely qualify for social. Mar 24, 20 social security disability rules for lupus. Social security maintains a list of official qualifying diseases, called its blue book, and lupus is included on the list. Social security uses a residual functional capacity rfc assessment to record the physical, mental, and sensory limitations that can affect an individuals ability to work. Getting disability for benign brain tumors disabilitysecrets. As those who suffer with this condition know very well, lupus falls within the category of autoimmune diseases. How to apply for disability benefits for lupus disability benefits. However, unlike lyme disease, the social security administration does actually devote some space in the blue book to lupus claims. However, the ssa must also confirm that the lupus is severe enough to totally and permanently disable you.
You may qualify if you meet the listing requirements for lupus. What medical conditions qualify for social security. For social securitys purposes, lupus qualifies as a disability when it meets these conditions. Disability benefits for lupus social security disability. Lupus can indeed qualify you for social security disability benefits. For others, lupus does not respond to medication and progressively worsens. Long waits and long odds for those who need social. Lupus and disability what it takes to qualify for ssdi.
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