Lupus and Social Security Disability

It is estimated that between 1.5 to 2 million people in America suffer from Lupus. The symptoms of the condition are often debilitating and can interfere with an individual's quality of life and ability to perform normal day-to-day activities. It goes without saying that many of the people who suffer from Lupus are unable to maintain the responsibilities of full-time employment. The resulting lack of income is often compounded by disability-related medical expenses, causing a serious financial burden. Fortunately, Social Security Disability benefits may be able to help. If you are interested in applying for Social Security Disability benefits due to the impact that Lupus has had on your life, the following information can aid you in the application process and will help you understand how the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews disability claims based on a diagnosis of Lupus.

Lupus - Condition and Symptoms

Lupus, also known as systemic Lupus erythematosus, is caused by an overactive immune system. When a person suffers from Lupus, their immune system is unable to distinguish between the healthy tissue of your body and unhealthy foreign substances. Because of this, your immune system begins to attack the body's healthy tissue, causing inflammation, pain and damage to various areas.

Individuals who suffer from Lupus experience flare ups and remissions. During Lupus flare ups the condition will become worse and individuals will experience worsening symptoms. Eventually the symptoms will alleviate, only to come back in full force at a later time.

Lupus is not contagious. It is impossible to catch Lupus or give it to another person. Genetics may play a role in the development of the condition, but environmental triggers are usually necessary for the disease to present itself. Ultraviolet rays, sulfa drugs, certain antibiotics, infection, illness, exhaustion, injury or stress can all lead to the development of Lupus.

Cases of Lupus can vary from very mild to life threatening. Individuals suffering from Lupus will often experience extreme fatigue, painful and swollen joints, fevers, headaches, anemia, edema, chest pain, rashes, hair loss, abnormal blood clotting and ulcers in the nose or mouth. In severe cases, Lupus may result in damage to the body's vital organs and, in the most serious of cases, may even lead to death.

Once Lupus has developed in an individual, there is no cure. Treatments are available to help manage the symptoms of the condition. Treatment varies from individual to individual since the symptoms of Lupus are different in each person. Most patients will seek the care of a rheumatologist. If the Lupus has resulted in damage to vital organs, other specialists may be needed.

A combination of medications are commonly prescribed to treat an individual who is suffering from Lupus, including corticosteroids, aspirin, pain killers, anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressant drugs and medications that prevent Lupus flare-ups and minimize the damage to vital organs.

Filing for Social Security Disability with Lupus

Individuals who suffer from extreme cases of Lupus may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. When you apply for Social Security Disability benefits, the adjudicator reviewing your claim will refer to a listing of impairments that is published in the SSA's “Blue Book”. Lupus is discussed in Section 14.02 of this publication.

If your case of Lupus meets the guidelines that are published in the Blue Book, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits and be awarded benefits during the initial stage of the application process. It is important to note, however, that it is not uncommon for individuals to be denied benefits after filing an initial claim. If this happens, you will need to file an appeal in order to receive the benefits you are entitled to.

When filing for Social Security Disability benefits, make sure that you include as much medical documentation as possible with your disability claim. Medical records are vital to the success of your initial Social Security Disability claim. Talk with your doctor about your plan to file for disability benefits and make sure you gather all of the medical evidence necessary to support your claim.

Lupus and Your Social Security Disability Case

Some of the individuals who apply for Social Security Disability benefits based on a claim of Lupus will have no trouble qualifying for benefits during the initial application stage. It is important to understand, however, that approximately 70 percent of all disability claims are denied during this process. If yours is one of them, you should go on to appeal the decision to deny your benefits and have your disability case heard before an administrative law judge.

If you do need to file an appeal or an initial application, you should retain the services of a Social Security Disability attorney. Having proper legal representation will significantly increase your chances of receiving a favorable decision on your disability claim. A qualified disability lawyer will be able to gather all of the right documents to file an initial claim. He or she will also help you gather the evidence needed to prove your case and will make sure you are prepared for the actual disability hearing. Approximately two-thirds of applicants will receive a favorable decision after attending a Social Security Disability hearing.