Filing Disability Claims for Immune Disorders in Arizona
Published on January 3rd, 2023 by Eric Slepian
One in five Americans have been diagnosed with a condition where the immune system attacks the body’s organs or tissue by mistake. Medications or lifestyle changes can sometimes help those suffering from one or more of these disorders, but not always. As a result, those who still suffer from an immune system disorder might be unable to work or care for themselves.
Filing a social security disability claim for your immune system disorder isn’t easy, but it can make managing your condition slightly less stressful.
What Is An Immune System Disorder?
Before we dive into how the Social Security Administration (SSA) approves claims related to immune system disorders, it’s important to understand what an immune system disorder looks like.
According to the American Autoimmune Related Disorders Association, this type of disorder involves antibodies, which are created and sent out by the immune system, attacking specific parts of our body. There are over 100 different types of immune system disorders from graves disease and diabetes to rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
Because there are numerous disorders that fit under the umbrella of autoimmune conditions, symptoms will vary from person to person. The dysfunction may be caused by the lack of or impaired antibodies and cells, and result in chronic infection, inflammation, or dysfunction of tissue. These conditions can make daily life extremely painful and difficult, resulting in the inability to work full-time.
In addition to documenting the type, frequency and severity of your symptoms, getting properly diagnosed for an immune system disorder can be particularly challenging. Depending on the evidence that is presented with your social security disability application, it’s not uncommon for your first claim to be denied.
The SSA & Immune System Disorders
The Social Security Administration’s Blue Book breaks down disorders and diseases that can qualify for disability benefits and insurance. You can find information about immune system disorders under Section 14.00. Here you will find information and supporting evidence required for claims regarding lupus, inflammatory arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, and other immune-related conditions.
Generally speaking, supporting evidence for a disability claim will need to include the claimant’s medical history, lab reports, imaging, and any biopsy reports that have been done. Further, more specific documentation may be required based on the type of diagnosis you have received. The SSA organizes the diagnoses into three categories:
- Autoimmune disorders
- Immune deficiency disorders (excluding HIV)
- HIV infection
Within each category, the Blue Book lists the specific disorders and diseases along with what exactly is evaluated for each case.
For example, cases involving lupus must affect two or more body systems with at least one having a moderate level of severity, and at least two of the four main symptoms. The alternate case for lupus includes repeated outbreaks with at least two of the four primary symptoms, and marked limitation in daily living, social functioning, or ability to complete tasks.
The Social Security Disability Attorney Of Tucson, Arizona
As you can see, the requirements to be approved for social security disability benefits can be confusing, and may seem highly subjective to those suffering from an autoimmune disease or disorder. This is where the expertise of a local disability attorney comes into play. In fact, our Tucson social security disability lawyers have helped numerous claimants get approved for their immune suppressive conditions.
In addition to our team being rigorous throughout the disability claim or appeals process, each of our lawyers have excellent insight on how the SSA may interpret your case. We highly recommend you contact an experienced disability lawyer to assist with your application and supporting evidence.
If you have any questions or don’t want to pursue the social security disability insurance (SSDI) process alone, then schedule a free consultation with Slepian Ellexson PLLC, now.
