The Social Security Administration pays disability benefits to people with serious medical conditions that prevent them from working. One program that provides these benefits is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Social Security maintains the Listing of Impairments (Listing), which contains a list of medical conditions that might qualify for SSDI. Section 14 of the Listing is titled, “14.00 Immune System Disorders – Adult.” This article explores 9 of the conditions mentioned.
#1. Lupus
An autoimmune disease, lupus causes a person’s immune system to attack healthy tissue instead of fighting infections. Someone with lupus might suffer problems with their skin, internal organs, and joints. The disease is treatable but not curable. At some point, someone with lupus might have to see if they qualify for SSDI.
#2. Systemic Vasculitis
The term “vasculitis” includes about 20 medical conditions that affect blood vessels and arteries. Symptoms vary depending on the specific type of systemic vasculitis but always involve inflammation. Multiple organs can be affected.
This condition might qualify for SSDI. Social Security will be looking for evidence that the disease severely affects two or more organs or body systems or that the disease limits activities at a marked level.
#3. Systemic Sclerosis
This condition is also called scleroderma. People with this condition suffer “hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues.” But some cases of sclerosis also affect internal organs, blood vessels, and other body systems.
To qualify for SSDI, Social Security again might look for the involvement of two or more body systems or organs. But someone might be eligible if they need certain mobility-assisting devices or are unable to sustain work-related movements.
#4. Polymyositis
Someone with this disease might have muscle weakness covering both sides of their body. As you might imagine, the symptoms would make it difficult to work. In fact, people may be unable to “rise from a seated position, lift objects, or reach overhead.” Someone with this condition could qualify for SSDI.
#5. Undifferentiated and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
This autoimmune disease typically affects several body systems. People might also have arthritis, fever, dry eyes, mouth ulcers, and sensitivity to sunlight. Other symptoms might involve major organs and body systems. This disease could seriously affect someone’s ability to work and support themselves.
#6. Immune Deficiency Disorders (except HIV)
When someone has an immunodeficiency disorder, they’re more likely to get infections. And because their immune system is not working right, they may be unable to work in certain situations. In fact, someone with this condition might qualify for SSDI as long as they have the proper medical documentation to back up their claim.
#7. Inflammatory Arthritis
Here, the immune system is overactive instead of underactive. Someone with inflammatory arthritis faces the pain of joint inflammation through their body. The pain, swelling, and stiffness might make it difficult to work. Social Security will look for documentation that this condition is severe enough to prevent the claimant from working.
#8. Sjogren’s Syndrome
The two major symptoms of this condition are dry eyes and dry mouth. But someone with Sjogren’s might also have other immune system disorders. This disease can:
- Affect multiple body systems
- Go into remission, then relapse
- Limit activities of daily living
- Limit concentration and persistence when completing tasks
Someone could qualify for SSDI with this condition.
#9. HIV Infection
This type of immune deficiency disorder is considered in a class by itself. When deciding whether someone with HIV is eligible for SSDI, Social Security looks for documentation of several symptoms, including certain types of lymphoma and certain blood cell counts. As with other conditions, someone with HIV will have to exhibit limitations on daily activities and work-related ability to qualify for SSDI.
Not Sure You Qualify for SSDI? Ask a Disability Lawyer.
Social Security Administration rules and regulations are not easy to understand. It can help to have someone on your side. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have more than 50 years’ experience helping clients like you. For a free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100. Though our office is located in Anaheim, we assist clients throughout Southern California.
