If you suffer from a mixed connective tissue disorder, it may be difficult to work because of the symptoms of the disorder. The symptoms of mixed connective tissue disorder can be severe enough to be disabling. You may be able to qualify for Social Security disability benefits if you can’t work any longer because of mixed connective tissue disorder.
Determining If You Can Work With Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder
If you have many symptoms associated with mixed connective tissue disorder or if your symptoms are very severe you may find it impossible to work. Some of the symptoms that are caused by mixed connective tissue disorder are:
- Fatigue.
- Muscle pain with no apparent cause.
- Joint pain.
- Low-grade fever.
- Raynaud phenomenon
- Severe polymyositis, often in your shoulders and upper arms.
- Acute arthritis.
- Aseptic meningitis
- Myelitis (inflammation of your spinal cord).
- Gangrene of fingers or toes.
- High fever.
- Abdominal pain.
- Neuropathy affecting the trigeminal nerve in your face.
- Hearing loss.
- Raynaud phenomenon
- Swollen “sausage-like” fingers
- Inflamed joints and muscles.
- Pulmonary hypertension
Many of these symptoms could make it difficult or impossible for you to work. Your doctor or medical team can help you determine if you can still work.
The symptoms of mixed connective tissue disorder could make it impossible to do any kind of work that involves:
- Phone or typing work
- Working outside
- Physically strenuous work
- Working around other people
- Sitting in a chair for long periods
- Standing for long periods
- Having to take public transportation to a job
If you worked previously but can’t work any longer doing that type of work because of your symptoms the Social Security Administration may declare you disabled and eligible for Social Security disability benefits.
What To Do If You Can’t Work With Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder
If you are going to be unable to work for at least 12 months because of mixed connective tissue disorder you can apply for Social Security disability benefits. If you meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability you will receive disability benefits that you can use to pay for your living and medical expenses.
In order to meet the SSA’s criteria for disability you must provide medical evidence that shows you meet the Blue Book listing for mixed connective tissue disease. The Blue Book listing for MCTD is 14.06 and it states that to qualify for disability benefits you must have MCTD that has:
A. Involvement of two or more organs/body systems, with:
1. One of the organs/body systems involved to at least a moderate level of severity; and
2. At least two of the constitutional symptoms or signs (severe fatigue, fever, malaise, or involuntary weight loss).
OR
B. Repeated manifestations of undifferentiated or mixed connective tissue disease, with at least two of the constitutional symptoms or signs (severe fatigue, fever, malaise, or involuntary weight loss) and one of the following at the marked level:
1. Limitation of activities of daily living.
2. Limitation in maintaining social functioning.
3. Limitation in completing tasks in a timely manner due to deficiencies in concentration, persistence, or pace.
You will need to submit medical evidence like a letter of diagnosis, medical imaging like X-rays, MRIs, or PET scans, blood tests, and other medical proof to show that you meet these requirements. You can also submit an RFC from your doctor that describes in detail why you can’t work.
Other Options If You Can’t Work With Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder
If you can’t work because of MCTD and you aren’t eligible for disability benefits or you are waiting for your application for disability benefits to be approved you may qualify for long-term disability insurance benefits, short term disability benefits, state benefits for disabled workers, or grants from non-profit groups.
Get Help With Your MCTD Disability Claim
Fill out a Free Case Evaluation form to get connected to an independent participating attorney who may be able to help with your application for Social Security disability benefits.
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15039-mixed-connective-tissue-disease
https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/14.00-Immune-Adult.htm#14_06
