Social Security Disability with Lupus
Social Security maintains a “Listing Level of Impairments” also known as the Blue Book. There are many different impairments on this list. Lupus is one of those conditions. However, to receive Social Security Disability with Lupus you have to meet the qualifications.
Like other conditions, Lupus manifests itself differently in everyone. Because of this, Social Security has certain “qualifications” that you need to meet to qualify for benefits based on lupus alone.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability with Lupus
Qualifying for Social Security with Lupus can happen one of two ways. Under one option, Social Security requires that your Lupus involve two or more organs or body systems. In addition, at least one of the organs/body systems involved to a moderate level of severity.
Major organ or body system involvement can include:
- respiratory system
- cardiovascular
- renal
- hematologic
- skin
- neurologic
- mental (including anxiety, fluctuating cognition (“lupus fog”)
- mood disorders
- organic brain syndrome
- psychosis
- immune system disorders
Furthermore, Social Security requires that you have at least two of the following:
- severe fatigue
- fever
- malaise
- involuntary weight loss
Especially relevant is that severe fatigue and malaise requires documentation from a physician’s in your medical records.
A Second Path to SSDI
The other way to qualify is meet part of the above description. If have both repeated manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus with a marked limitation.
Repeated manifestations of systemic lupus must include at least two of the following:
- severe fatigue (medically documented)
- fever
- malaise (medically documented)
- involuntary weight loss
In addition, you must have a marked:
- limitation of activities of daily living, or
- limitation in maintaining social functioning, or
- difficulty in completing tasks in a timely manner because of inability to concentrate, persist, or keep pace.
What is the Social Security Administration Looking For?
Typically, Social Security will be looking for medical evidence that shows your condition meets the criteria in the current “Criteria for the Classification of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus” in the Primer on the Rheumatic Diseases.
If you suffer from lupus and believe that you qualify for Social Security disability benefits, give us a call. While everyone is different, we have experience dealing with many different cases. One of our experienced Jacksonville Social Security Disability attorneys would be happy to speak with you. We offer a no obligation, no cost consultation.
