If you have been diagnosed with an immune system disorder and cannot work, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Because the eligibility requirements are strict, obtaining these vital public benefits is challenging. The best way to protect your rights and well-being is to consult an experienced disability attorney.
At the Law Office of Carey Thompson, PC, we assist individuals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and around Texas with the disability claims process. We understand that immune disorders can prevent you from working and performing daily activities and will do everything in our power to get you the benefits you deserve. Contact our office today for a free consultation. You will pay no attorneys’ fees until we obtain benefits for you.
What Is an Immune System Disorder?
An immune system disorder results from an abnormally low activity or overactivity of the immune system. When the immune system is overactive, the body attacks its tissues. These conditions are known as autoimmune diseases. Examples include inflammatory arthritis, lupus, and Type 1 diabetes.
Immune system disorders can cause recurrent infections or dysfunction of tissue or organs, affecting a single organ or two or more organs, resulting in moderate to severe limitations and loss of function. Common symptoms of immune system disorders include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Malaise
- Involuntary weight loss
Social Security evaluates immune system disorders that cause dysfunction in one or more parts of the immune system. The Blue Book organizes immune system disorders into three categories: autoimmune diseases, immune deficiency disorders (excluding HIV), and HIV:
- Autoimmune diseases are marked by immune system attacks on the body’s tissue, resulting in chronic, multisystem impairments that differ in severity.
- Immune deficiency disorders involve recurrent infections that often lead to complications in other body organs. These immune disorders may be primary (genetic) or acquired due to medication, treatments (e.g., chemotherapy), or diseases that have suppressed or damaged the immune system.
- Human immune deficiency virus (HIV) is an acquired immune disorder marked by increased susceptibility to infections and cancers.
The Social Security Administration’s Bluebook or listing of qualifying impairments includes immune disorders that automatically qualify for disability benefits, including:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Systemic vasculitis
- Systemic sclerosis or scleroderma
- Polymyositis or dermatomyositis
- Undifferentiated mixed connective tissue disease
- Immune deficiency disorders
- Inflammatory arthritis
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
If your immune system disorder prevents you from working, we will review your case, gather the necessary medical evidence, and avoid common mistakes that may delay the process.
Qualifying For Disability Benefits for an Immune Disorder
While the Blue Book lists immune disorders that automatically qualify, Social Security evaluates each disorder differently and requires different documentation as evidence. While some requirements are similar or the same for some conditions, each has specific criteria to qualify for disability benefits.
If your immune system disorder does not meet the requirements of the Blue Book, you may still be eligible for benefits if you have symptoms of another mental or physical impairment. For example, lupus can impact the heart or kidneys. Social Security must consider how those health issues limit your ability to work and perform necessary daily tasks.
Social Security will assess your residual functional capacity (RFC) to determine if you can perform your job or any other type of work. Social Security will then consider your medical records and doctors’ opinions about how your symptoms limit your ability to function.
How We Can Help with Your Immune Disorder Disability Claim
Our experienced Texas disability attorney will explain the technical and medical eligibility requirements for obtaining benefits, determine whether you have a valid claim, and handle all the details. Ultimately, receiving disability benefits for an immune disorder requires providing the SSA with sufficient medical evidence, including:
- Doctor’s notes
- Lab tests (blood tests, tissue, and organ damage assessments)
- A doctor’s opinion stating that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working
Our legal team will work closely with your doctor to gather the medical evidence that supports your claim. We will assist with your initial claim, handle a disability appeal and represent you at the disability hearing. While the process can be time-consuming and confusing, working with an experienced disability attorney increases the chances of obtaining disability benefits. You can trust us to provide you with compassionate, effective representation and guide you every step of the way.
Contact Our Experienced Texas Disability Attorneys
If you or a loved one has an immune disorder that prevents you from working, turn to the Law Office of Carey Thompson. We know the ins and outs of the Social Security system and have an impressive track record of success. Trust our team to fight hard for the benefits you need and deserve. Contact our office today so we can start working on your claim.