Lupus is a serious immune system disorder that causes the patient’s immune system to attack healthy cells instead of fighting off foreign substances. Due to the severity of this autoimmune condition, the Social Security Administration recognizes Lupus as a highly debilitating disease that qualifies individuals to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) or Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) payouts.
Disabling Effects of Lupus
With lupus, the body’s natural defense system is compromised. Depending on the individual and the type of lupus, patients may experience unique combinations of symptoms that restrict their activities and harm quality of life. Because this disease causes the immune system to attack healthy cells throughout different systems, many different areas of the body may be affected, including the lungs, heart, blood vessels, brain, joints, and skin. Currently, there is no cure for this disease.
Lupus sufferers may experience a wide range of negative health effects, including:
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Muscle pain and soreness
- Paleness of the fingers and toes
- Fever
- Mouth ulcers
- Swollen glands
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Anemia
- Malaise
- Fatigue
- Pain/swelling in the joints
- Seizures
- Sun sensitivity
- Swelling in the legs or eye area
- Trouble concentrating
- Confusion
- Facial rashes
- Chest pain
- Hair loss
Hiring an Attorney to Prove Lupus Disability
Despite the fact that lupus is understood to have severe and disabling health effects, patients who apply for SSD or SSI benefits must still make a significant effort to provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) with specific and detailed proof of their symptoms. If you choose to hire an attorney to help you with the application process, or to appeal a denial, you can benefit from your lawyer’s previous experience in dealing with the SSA on clients’ behalf. Often, SSD lawyers are able to save applicants valuable time by helping them apply with accuracy and reducing the odds of a denial. If you haven’t started gathering medical records and other important documentation yet, let a skilled legal professional assist you with this process.
For an in-depth discussion of the effects of lupus and your rights to disability benefits, please contact an experienced SSD lawyer right away.
Please explore our website and if you have questions or need further assistance, please e-mail the SSD Law Resource Center by completing the form to the right. We are here to help.