Greg lived with his lupus for ten years before it seriously affected his ability to work. As a construction worker, his job required much physical effort in all kinds of weather. Fortunately, his employer had been able to accommodate his need to rest occasionally or to get out of the sun. However, Greg had now reached the point where he could no longer perform his job duties. When he considered his options, he wondered if lupus may qualify for SSDI benefits. Not every disease or condition is considered a disability. In Greg’s case, whether he can get SSDI may depend on whether the Social Security Administration believes his condition is a disability.
A Little More About Lupus
Autoimmune diseases essentially cause the body’s immune system to attack itself. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can result in damage to many parts of the body, including skin, joints, and internal organs). Some people may be able to lead a full life with lupus, while others become disabled by pain and fatigue.
In some cases, people may be eligible for disability benefits, including SSDI.
When Lupus Becomes a Disability
To receive SSDI benefits, an applicant must pass several tests:
- Is he or she no longer able to continue working because of a medical condition that meets the SSA’s qualifications?
- Is the disability going to last for at least or year? Has it already lasted a year? Is the condition expected to cause the applicant’s death?
It’s also important to meet the SSA’s definition of disability:
“… the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) which can be expected to result in death, or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.”
The SSA maintains a list of impairments, and lupus is included. For Greg’s lupus to qualify for SSDI benefits, he must be unable to work due to his condition or its treatment. The SSA will review medical records and doctor’s reports before granting benefits.
It’s also possible to qualify due to Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) analysis. Symptoms of lupus include fatigue, fever, weakness, and inflammation. Any of these may cause a person with lupus to have trouble with basic daily activities, as well as work duties. An RFC analysis may show that the applicant does qualify for SSDI benefits.
Lupus May Qualify for SSDI.
First, though, you have to apply, and the process can be difficult. It helps to have someone in your corner. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have the experience and ability to take on your case. For a free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100. We assist clients throughout Southern California from our home office in Anaheim.
