Lupus is an inflammatory disease that causes the immune system to attack its own body tissues. It can cause serious damage to your blood cells and organs, and present symptoms of joint pain, fatigue, fever, and a butterfly-shaped facial rash. While symptoms may come and go over time, there is no known cure for Lupus. Doctors instead focus on minimizing flare-ups to improve your quality of life.
I Have Lupus; Can I Get Disability Benefits?
If your doctor provides you with a lupus diagnosis, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) once you can no longer work due to impaired physical function. To get approved, you’ll need to meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) criteria under the Lupus listing in their Blue Book. The official criteria only cover systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and not discoid lupus. That doesn’t mean, however, that the SSA won’t approve you for SSDI benefits.
How Do I Qualify for Disability Benefits for Lupus, or Social Security Benefits?
The government allows you to still seek Disability benefits if your condition severely limits your ability to hold a job that fits your age, previous job experience, and education level. You’ll need proof of your diagnosis and two of the four following problems:
- Fever caused by your disease
- Malaise
- Involuntary weight loss
- Severe fatigue
Two or more of the following body systems or organs must also be affected:
- Inflammatory arthritis, most commonly found in the wrists, knees, hands, or fingers
- Respiratory issues such as lung tissue inflammation, chest pain, or pulmonary embolism
- Hematologic, or blood issues like thrombocytopenia or anemia
- Renal problems including lupus nephritis, decreased kidney function, or glomerulonephritis
- Mental health issues like mood disorders or anxiety
- Cardiovascular problems involving inflamed blood vessels or heart tissue
- Neurologic disorders including seizures and headaches
Your symptoms must affect your ability to effectively complete tasks or function socially to be considered a disability.
What Are My Chances of Approval for Disability Benefits for Lupus?
The truth is, the SSDI benefits application process is rough. Funding for SSA programs faced years of resource cuts, and the government is picky about who qualifies for help. Three-quarters of all SSDI applications are denied on the first try. Getting application assistance from a Disability lawyer for lupus claims can benefit your case and give you a better shot at approval.
How Can I Get Lupus Help to Apply for Disability Benefits?
If you feel overwhelmed with your SSDI application or need help with your appeal, the Disability Help Group in Arizona is standing by. We guide our Disability clients through the application process from gathering evidence to presenting your case to an administrative law judge (ALJ) if that’s what it takes.
We have Social Security attorneys ready to serve you from three different locations. Contact our Phoenix, Mesa, or Tucson office today at (888) 939-4692 or submit our online form to schedule a free consultation. You won’t pay a penny for our services unless you win your claim.