Immune Deficiency Disorders, HIV, and Autoimmune Disease Disability Benefits
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program designed to provide financial support to individuals who are unable to work and earn a living wage due to a disability. Their disability must severely limit what they can do in their daily lives, including the ability to work. A claimant who qualifies for SSDI must therefore prove they are unable to participate in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), earn a living wage, and support themselves.
Many disabilities can lead to individuals applying for SSDI, including cancer related disabilities, neurological disorders, endocrine disorders, and more. Immune system disorders are also covered by SSDI when they are severe and cause debilitating symptoms.
What Immune System Disorders Qualify for Disability
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is responsible for determining which applicants qualify for disability benefits. They reference what is known as the Blue Book to assess each case. The Blue Book defines qualifying disabilities and their symptoms, allowing those eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance to file under certain categories.
Section 14.00 in the Blue Book is dedicated to Immune System Disorders, including autoimmune disorders, immune deficiency disorders excluding HIV, and HIV infection.
The disorders listed under this category include:
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Systemic Vasculitis
- Systemic Sclerosis (scleroderma)
- Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis
- Undifferentiated and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
- Immune Deficiency Disorders excluding HIV Infection
- Inflammatory Arthritis
- Sjögren’s Syndrome
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection
Some people suffering from these diseases and disorders may not even know they can qualify for SSDI. They may wonder, is an autoimmune disease a disability? The answer is yes, the real question is whether or not that disease inhibits a person’s daily life significantly enough that they can receive disability for the autoimmune disease in question. This also rings true for immune deficiency disorders and HIV.
This is why it is crucial to have a lawyer on your side when applying for Social Security Disability Benefits.
Benefits of Hiring an SSDI Lawyer
When applying for SSDI with an immune system disorder, claimants need to supply the SSA with evidence of their disability and how it limits their daily life and capabilities, like earning a living wage. Medical evidence can include laboratory test results, a documented medical history, imaging or biopsy reports, etc.
The SSA will also need to know the severity of the symptoms caused by a claimant’s disorder, such as pain levels, loss of function, fatigue, muscle weakness, side effects from medications, etc.
The easiest way to file for disability benefits and get the best chances at being approved is to work with a qualified SSDI attorney who knows how to file a claim with the Social Security Administration. Most initial claims are denied, but with professional assistance from the lawyers at Ortega Disability Group, your chances of being approved for benefits increase significantly.
Contact The SSDI Attorneys at Ortega Disability Group
If you are struggling to file for SSDI with HIV, other immune deficiency disorders, or any autoimmune diseases that qualify for disability, reach out to the experienced attorneys at Ortega Disability Group today and request a free consultation. Our law firm is always here for you when you need help filing for essential benefits.