Getting Social Security Disability Benefits for Lupus

 Posted on February 28, 2024 in Social Security Disability

If you have lupus, you may wonder if you can qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The good news is that lupus is on the Social Security Administration’s list of qualifying conditions. However, you still must meet certain criteria to get approved. A Texas lawyer can help you break down what you need to know to get SSDI benefits for lupus.

Documenting Your Lupus Diagnosis

The first step is ensuring you have medical records from a rheumatologist or other specialist confirming your lupus diagnosis. These records should show medical records indicating you have lupus. This proof could be in the form of a lab test or an anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) test. You will need to prove your ongoing appointments and treatment for your symptoms.

Meeting the SSA Definition of Disability

The Social Security Administration has a strict definition of disability to qualify for SSDI benefits. You must prove that you cannot work because of a serious medical condition expected to last at least one year or result in death. You should also show that you are unable to perform work tasks because of your medical disability.

Be prepared to provide detailed examples of limitations you experience because of fatigue, joint inflammation, and other similar symptoms. Connecting your symptoms directly to an inability to work boosts your chances of approval.

Establishing Symptom Severity

Simply having lupus does not guarantee SSDI benefits approval. You must show your case is severe enough to meet Social Security’s criteria. Ways to establish severity include:

• Documenting related conditions like kidney disease, seizures, or strokes
• Providing records of hospitalizations for lupus flares
• Demonstrating the need for frequent treatment changes due to uncontrolled symptoms
• Using physician statements to corroborate disabling effects of fatigue, pain, rashes

Your case strengthens the more evidence you submit about debilitating flare-ups and health declines requiring significant medical intervention.

Understanding the Application Process

Applying for SSDI with lupus involves:

• Meeting technical eligibility requirements like work credits
• Filing initial online disability report
• Gathering medical records and supporting statements
• Attending any exams ordered by state Disability Determination Services
• Receiving a decision from the SSA judge at the hearing if the first application is denied

Contact a Plano, TX SSDI Lawyer

The SSDI process involves lots of complicated steps and paperwork. If your lupus has progressed to the point of causing disability, a Dallas, TX SSDI attorney can help you navigate the process. Call The Law Offices of Coats & Todd at 972-671-9922 to start with a free case evaluation.