No, mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) does not automatically qualify you for automatic approval for disability benefits, but this doesn’t mean you cannot apply for disability benefits anyway. Automatic qualification is reserved for very serious or untreatable and potentially terminal diseases which then get processed through the SSA’s compassionate allowance program. A diagnosis of MCTD and evidence of symptoms will be needed if you intend applying for disability benefits as well as evidence of an inability to work and credits obtained through social security contributions while employed.
How to Automatically Qualify For Disability Benefits
Automatic qualification for disability benefits is reserved for a limited number of very serious medical conditions. There are around 200 such medical conditions on the SSA’s list which are considered so severe that they automatically qualify for processing through the compassionate allowance program. This doesn’t mean that an application for a compassionate allowance escapes careful assessment of medical evidence of the disabling condition, but it does mean that the application is fast tracked compared to other applications for disability benefits. Most benefits applications can take up to 6 months or longer before a decision is made.
MCTD is not on the compassionate allowance listing, despite being a disabling medical condition. Therefore, it does not automatically qualify for disability benefits. A normal application for benefits through the SSDI or SSI pathways may still result in approval for disability benefits if all the criteria for acceptance are matched.
Does MTCD Automatically Qualify For Disability Benefits?
As explained above, mixed connective tissue disease does not automatically qualify for disability benefits through the compassionate allowance program as it is not usually life threatening. However, anyone who has been diagnosed with MCTD may still qualify for disability benefits by applying to the SSA with evidence of symptoms that match the criteria listed in the SSA’s Blue Book under section 14.00 Immune Disorders – Adult: 14.09, which describes in detail the symptoms that provide sufficient evidence of MCTD.
Any application for disability benefits depends on providing supporting documentation for the application to be approved. In fact, many disability benefits applications are initially rejected, often because there is insufficient evidence of the listed symptoms, insufficient supporting medical history and documentation of the development of the disease. For approval, the SSA also assesses whether the applicant is able to work and obtain a living. To receive a benefit, it must be shown that you cannot work because of the disability for at least the next 12 months. Finally, the SSA looks at your work history and whether you have sufficient work credits acquired through paying social security contributions. This may then qualify you for disability benefits through the SSDI pathway.
You may need to appeal the decision if your application is rejected. The appeal process can be lengthy and challenging. You are advised to seek legal help from a disability attorney if you need to appeal.
Get Help With Your Claim
You cannot automatically qualify for disability benefits after a diagnosis of MCTD, but if your symptoms meet the criteria in the SSA’s Blue Book, you can apply through the normal disability benefits application process. You will find that a disability attorney can help with advice about your application and may be essential if you need to appeal a denied application.
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