There are some medical syndromes that qualify for disability benefits if they are severe enough. These may include Asperger’s syndrome, carpel tunnel syndrome and Sjogren’s syndrome.
In order to qualify for disability benefits for syndromes you need to be able to prove that the syndrome is severe enough, will last for at least 12 months and that the presence of the syndrome will not allow you to work. This should be backed up by a diagnosis and medical report compiled by your doctor that confirms that the symptoms are so severe that you are unable to take up any kind of employment.
What is a Medical Syndrome?
A medical syndrome is a collection of signs and symptoms that are usually associated with a particular disease when they occur together. Syndromes may range from medical symptoms to known diseases. There are about 2,700 recognized medical syndromes.
Some medical syndromes may qualify for a social security disability benefit. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) determines whether a person who is diagnosed with a syndrome qualifies for social security disability benefits based on the degree and severity of the syndrome and whether the victim is still able to work.
Medical Syndromes That Qualify for a Disability Benefit
For people who have been diagnosed with severe Asperger’s syndrome, eligibility for disability benefits will be based on the requirements listed by the SSA for autism and autistic conditions. This is because Asperger’s syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder which can have a serious effect on communication.
Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome may cause numbness or weakness in the hand or fingers which may mean the sufferer is unable to carry out basic tasks.
In order to qualify for a disability benefit the victim has to provide sufficient medical evidence which proves that he or she is unable to work for at least 12 months. A medical report from a doctor can help to prove the victim’s carpel tunnel syndrome is severe enough to qualify for disability benefits.
Sjogren’s Syndrome
When a victim is diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome, the immune cells will infiltrate and destroy the body’s mucus-producing glands. Sjogren’s syndrome may occur on its own or with other autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. In 2008, the SSA added Sjogren’s syndrome to the Blue Book under section 14.10.
This makes it easier for victims to qualify for disability benefits. However you need to provide a diagnosis and medical records compiled by your doctor describing your symptoms and the treatment you are receiving. A positive lip biopsy is the “gold standard” for a diagnosis of Sjogren’s syndrome. The results of blood and antibody tests help to determine the presence of Sjogren’s syndrome.
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Even if a syndrome is not listed in the Blue Book there are still ways to qualify. You can ask your doctor to complete a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) test which determines what you are able to do both physically and mentally.
