Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis is a rare autoimmune disease that was first discovered in the 1970s. Those who develop the condition are oftentimes severely disabled and unable to continue gainful work activity. While the majority of Social Security Disability applicants who apply for benefits from the Social Security Administration have to wait months, if not years, before disability benefits can begin, those who are diagnosed with hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis may qualify for claim processing under the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances guidelines. This means that an applicant who is suffering from this condition may be able to be approved for benefits in a matter of weeks rather than having to wait months or years before benefits can begin. If you have been diagnosed with hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis, the following information will help you understand the condition and how it may qualify you for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration.
Hypocomplementemic Urticarial Vasculitis Condition and Symptoms
Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis, also known as HUV, is a very rare form of cutaneous small-vessel vasculitis. The condition is characterized by recurring episodes of urticarial as well as lesions on the skin that are painful and tender. Those who develop hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis also often experience extracutaneous involvement of the condition, although there is usually no peripheral nerve damage.
While the symptoms of hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis can vary from case to case, common symptoms include skin lesions, angioedema, abdominal pain, chest pain, fever, pulmonary disease, renal disease, arthralgias and connective tissue disease.
Unfortunately there is no cure for hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis. Treatment of the disease usually occurs at the tumor and symptom level and focuses on making patients who are suffering from the condition as comfortable as possible.
There are varying causes thought to be linked to hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis. Some research indicates that the condition can be drug induced. Prescription drugs such as ACE inhibitors, penicillin, sulfonamides, fluoxetine, cimetidine, diltiazem and other prescription drugs are thought to contribute to the condition. Other causes may be rheumatic disease and viral diseases such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Hypocomplementemic Urticarial Vasculitis
This year alone the SSA will receive millions of disability claims from disabled workers. Nearly 70 percent of these claims will be denied during the initial stage of the application process. This results in the need for a disability appeal. Each time a denial of disability benefits is appealed, that appeal is added to the already-overwhelming backlog of appeals currently in the Social Security system.
Fortunately it is not common for the SSA to deny disability claims based on Compassionate Allowances listings, such as hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis. It has, however, been known to happen on occasion. This is usually due to the fact that the applicant failed to complete the claim forms properly or failed to provide the SSA with sufficient objective medical evidence when submitting his or her claim.
If you want the best chance of being awarded disability benefits without the need for an appeal, you will need to fill out the Social Security Disability claim forms in their entirety and with detailed answers. You will also need to provide the SSA with sufficient objective medical evidence in order to support your claim. Failure to do either of these things may result in a denial of your benefits and the need for an appeal.
Hypocomplementemic Urticarial Vasculitis and Your Social Security Disability Case
If you are applying for Social Security Disability benefits due to a case of hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis, you may want to consider retaining the services of a disability attorney who is familiar with the disability application and appeal process. Applying for disability benefits can be a confusing process and it is easy to make mistakes. There is a lot of paperwork to fill out and you must fill this paperwork out properly in order for your claim to be approved. An attorney can ensure that your claim forms are filled out properly and presented in a manner that enables the SSA to see how your condition qualifies you for benefits under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines. This will help you receive your benefits in a matter of weeks rather than having to wait months or years before benefits can begin.
If, for some reason, your initial claim is denied by the SSA, you will need to file an appeal and you will want the help of an attorney when doing so. Compassionate Allowances appeals are given priority and are processed more quickly than standard appeals. You will want an attorney to ensure that your appeal is processed properly so you can begin receiving benefits sooner rather than later.
