In an effort to bring an understanding of Lupus to the general public, October has been named as Lupus Awareness Month, and people everywhere are trying to help the masses understand just how devastating the disabling condition can be and how it affects an individual's ability to perform ordinary, everyday activities.
Lupus affects approximately one in every thousand people. Unfortunately, even though the condition is not uncommon, it is still one of the most misunderstood and under-funded conditions of our time. Many people have heard of lupus, but most do not understand exactly what it is or how the people who live with the condition suffer. The goal of Lupus Awareness Month is to educate the masses and help those who live with the condition with access to the disability benefits and assistance they desperately need.
People who live with Lupus often suffer from extreme fatigue, headaches, painful joints, fevers, anemia, edema, chest pain, light-sensitivity, hair loss, abnormal blood clotting and mouth sores. Some of these symptoms can be quite severe, interfering with an individual's quality of life.
Fortunately individuals who suffer from Lupus do not have to live in poverty if their condition prevents them from performing substantial gainful work activity. It is possible to obtain Social Security Disability benefits if your case of Lupus is so severe that it prevents you from performing any type of substantial gainful work activity.
In order to be qualified for Social Security Disability benefits based on any diagnosis, an applicant must be able to prove that he or she is not working and not able to work. They must also have a disability that is listed in the SSA's Blue Book of disabling conditions or, if their condition is not listed, they must be able to prove that their condition is equal to a listed disability or that it completely prevents them from performing any type of work activity whatsoever.
Fortunately for lupus patients, the condition that they suffer from is listed in the SSA's Blue Book, taking a bit of the hassle out of process of applying for Social Security Disability payments. The condition is covered under Section 14.02, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus of the Blue Book listings. Under this listing, a person will be determined to be disabled if their case of lupus involves two or more organs or body systems with:
- One of the organs and/or body systems involved to at least a moderate level of severity; and
- At least two of the constitutional symptoms or signs of lupus present (such as severe fatigue, malaise or involuntary weight loss).
A person may also qualify for benefits if they suffer from repeated manifestations of SLE with at least two of the symptoms of the disorder being present and limiting the activities of daily living, social functioning and completing daily tasks in a timely manner.
If you are suffering from Lupus and have been unable to maintain full-time employment due to the conditions presented by your disability, Social Security Disability Help can assist you in obtaining a free evaluation of your Social Security Disability case. Fill out one of our free disability evaluation forms, and you will be contacted by a disability attorney or advocate who will be able to assist you in applying for disability.
