When autoimmune disorders occur, the immune system can begin destroying a person’s tissues, cells, and organs. While some autoimmune diseases can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes, more severe conditions can lead to serious health challenges, disability, or even death. If you’ve been diagnosed with an immune or autoimmune disorder, you may be entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
At Disability Advocates Group, we understand how difficult it can be to navigate the world with a serious immune disorder. Obtaining the benefits you need is easier with an experienced attorney on your side. Whether you would like to submit an application for benefits or appeal the denial of your benefits, our experienced team is ready to handle every aspect of your case.
The Benefits of Working with a Skilled Attorney
According to the US Department of Health and Human Resources, there are currently 100 types of diagnosable autoimmune diseases. These diseases affect over 24 million Americans. Many Americans suffer from the beginning stages of autoimmune disease and do not yet have a diagnosis.
If you are one of the thousands of Los Angeles-area residents who can no longer work due to an autoimmune disease, you aren’t alone. You may be entitled to receive monthly Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits. However, applying for and successfully receiving long-term disability benefits is a complex process.
Unfortunately, the process involves more than filling out an application for benefits. Most first-time applications for SSDI benefits are denied. You will probably need to request a reconsideration of your application or move even further in the appeals process if your claim is denied. While it is possible to apply for benefits on your own, working with an attorney can dramatically increase the likelihood of your application being accepted.
We Will Handle Every Aspect of Your Disability Claim for an Autoimmune Disorder
When you work with Disability Advocates Group, we will handle your disability claim from start to finish. We will work with you to prepare and file your application, conduct all necessary interviews, and gather your medical and employment records. We can help you schedule a doctor’s appointment so you can receive a correct diagnosis.
Our team can also help you work with your doctor to report all of how the symptoms of your autoimmune disease prevent you from continuing to work. Most Social Security disability claims are denied because the applicant hasn’t included enough specific information about how his or her immune disorder prevents him or her from continuing to work. When you begin the process with an attorney, your attorney will be able to gather the medical evidence you need to show that your immune disorder is disabling.
At Disability Advocates Group, we have specific experience helping clients with disabling immune conditions get the benefits to which they’re entitled. We also have the resources to thoroughly investigate denials of our client’s claims and appeal them on behalf of our clients. We genuinely care about providing Los Angeles area residents with the best legal representation possible to help them get the benefits they need during this challenging time.
Common Autoimmune Disorders Eligible for Benefits
The Social Security Administration uses the Blue Book manual to determine whether applicants are eligible for benefits. The Blue Book contains different lists of impairments based on the bodily system involved. It has three main categories of immune system disorders: autoimmune disorders, immune deficiency disorders, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Some of the most common immune system disorders listed in the Blue Book include the following:
- Blood disorders, such as anemia and leukopenia
- Skin disorders, such as photosensitivity
- Neurological system disorders
- Scleroderma, which is a thickening of the skin
- Renal system disorders, such as glomerulonephritis
- Respiratory system disorders, such as pneumonitis and pleuritis
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)
- Undifferentiated and mixed connective tissue disease
- Lupus
- Systemic vasculitis
- Cardiovascular system disorders, such as myocarditis and endocarditis
- Type 1 diabetes
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Multiple Sclerosis
Common Immune Deficiency Disorders
With the exception of HIV, immune deficiency disorders are infections that require hospitalization or IV treatment three or more times within a year or that are resistant to treatment. The Social Security Administration recognizes the following types of immune deficiency disorders as qualifying for disability benefits:
- Sinusitis
- Endocarditis
- septic arthritis
- Meningitis
- Pneumonia
- Sepsis
Obtaining Social Security Disability Benefits for an HIV Infection
An HIV Infection is the precursor to a more serious condition called acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Although AIDS remains incurable, for many patients, it can be controlled for years by a combination of prescription medication and the help of a medical team. If you have been diagnosed with HIV or aids, you may be entitled to disability benefits.
What If My Immune Disorder Isn’t Listed?
Even if your immune condition isn’t explicitly listed in the Blue Book, the Social Security Administration may still find you disabled if you prove you have a condition so severe it stops you from being able to work. The Social Security Administration will examine your residual functioning capacity (RFC) if your disorder is not listed in the blue book.
Social Security examiners will evaluate your RFC to determine your mental and physical functioning limitations. If the examiners decide that your autoimmune disease, symptoms, signs, age, limitations, and work history prevent you from working or adjusting to a new job, you may be awarded a medical-vocational allowance.
Disability Advocates Group
If you can no longer work due to an immune disorder, Disability Advocates Group is here for you. We understand that the process of obtaining benefits can seem overwhelming, especially when you are trying to manage your medical symptoms. Rest assured, we will guide you through every step of the process.
We work on a contingency basis, so you will not be responsible for any legal fees until we successfully obtain your benefits. Don’t hesitate to contact the compassionate attorneys at Disability Advocates Group to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation case evaluation.