Do Autoimmune Disorders Qualify for SSDI?
If you’re living with an autoimmune disorder, you know how challenging it can be to manage daily life, let alone work. And getting SSDI for autoimmune disease can be a challenge.
The good news is that autoimmune disorders absolutely qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. And there’s more: if you’ve been denied on the first try, we may be able to help you get the benefits you need.
So let’s explore when autoimmune disorders might qualify and how the process works.
What Are Autoimmune Disorders?
Autoimmune disorders occur when your immune system mistakenly attacks your body.
Basically, with these conditions, your body’s natural defense system doesn’t know the difference between your own cells and foreign cells. This causes the body to attack normal cells.
There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases, and they all come with unique challenges. Some common examples include:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis – Causes painful swelling in joints, leading to severe pain and mobility issues.
- Lupus – Affects multiple body systems, including the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – Damages the protective covering of nerves, leading to communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body.
- Crohn’s Disease – A type of inflammatory bowel disease that can cause abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition.
And there are many other conditions like this, all of which can cause serious problems for someone’s daily life.
How Autoimmune Disorders Impact Your Ability to Work
Autoimmune disorders can significantly impact your ability to perform work-related activities. Chronic pain, fatigue, and other debilitating symptoms can make it difficult if not impossible to maintain a regular work schedule.
Just as a few examples:
- Rheumatoid arthritis comes with physical limitations that can affect motor skills or standing for long periods.
- Multiple sclerosis can cause cognitive issues like memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and other mental impairments.
- Managing an autoimmune disorder often requires regular doctor visits and treatments, leading to frequent absences from work.
And depending on your condition, there could be dozens of other ways it impacts your life and makes it hard to keep steady employment.
Why It Might Be Hard to Prove an Autoimmune Disorder to the SSA
Proving an autoimmune disorder to the SSA can be challenging for several reasons.
First, many autoimmune disorders have symptoms that are not visible, like pain and fatigue. These symptoms can be hard to quantify and prove. It might feel at times like you’re just hoping people believe you.
In addition, autoimmune disorders often have symptoms that come and go. Sometimes you might need a brace or wheelchair, and sometimes not. And this can lead other people to misunderstand the illness. The variability can make it difficult to prove you have a chronic, consistent level of impairment, even if you do.
Lastly, autoimmune disorders can affect multiple body systems and require detailed and comprehensive medical documentation. These are complicated conditions. So the SSA may need extensive evidence from various medical specialists to understand the full impact of your condition.
Legal Help to Get SSDI for Autoimmune Disease
Applying for SSDI with an autoimmune disorder can be complex, but an experienced SSDI lawyer can make a significant difference. Our award-winning team is committed to your success, and we don’t make a penny unless we win your case.
And there’s a lot we can do to help:
To start, we work closely with you to collect comprehensive medical records, doctors’ statements, and test results that clearly document the severity of your condition and how it affects your ability to work.
When we present your case, we highlight the impact of your disorder on your daily life and work capacity. We use our vast experience in SSDI to communicate your needs clearly and persuasively.
If your initial application is denied, we guide you through the appeals process, representing you at hearings and ensuring your case is as strong as possible. [Remember, if you’re denied you only have 60 days to appeal – so make sure you call us quickly to get started.]
Autoimmune disorders absolutely qualify for SSDI, but proving your eligibility will mean thorough documentation and may require expert representation. If you’re struggling with an autoimmune disorder and need help applying for SSDI, contact us today for a free appointment.
We’re here to support you and help secure the benefits you deserve.