If you or someone you care for is unable to work due to Sjögren's syndrome, read on to read how the SSA will evaluate your application for Social Security Disability benefits. The Bishop Law Firm has been representing clients with disabilities in North Carolina since 2009, and we don't get paid unless we win. Call us today for a free case review at (919) 615-3095.
Social Security Disability Benefits Overview
Obtaining Social Security Disability Security can be a lengthy process. In order for your claim to be approved, you may need to go through several levels: preliminary hearing, reconsideration, request for hearing, appeals board, and district court. But as with everything, step one: applying for initial benefits is the most important. If you are unable to work due to Sjögren's syndrome, apply as soon as possible as delays may result in you losing your benefits.
Social Security provides two (usually) types of benefits to people with disabilities: Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is based on points for the work you have done during your lifetime and is equivalent to the amount of retirement benefits you will receive when you retire at full retirement age. SSI is a needs-based program with income and asset requirements. Even if the SSA initially allows you to apply for SSDI and SSI, they may deny you out of hand if they determine that you are not eligible for either type of benefit.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMOzS3QO4_E[/embedyt]At each of the above levels, your claim will be evaluated based on a five-step sequential assessment to determine whether you have a disability. But don't be fooled, these five steps are complicated and not as simple as they seem. Also read the SSA Five-Step Sequential Assessment to learn more.
What is Sjogren's syndrome?
As with all autoimmune diseases, the body mistakenly attacks itself. Sjogren's syndrome often occurs together with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Women over 40 are at the highest risk for Sjogren's disease (Mayo Clinic). While some may think Sjögren's syndrome is a rare disease, it is actually one of the most common autoimmune diseases (Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation).
As a systemic autoimmune disease, symptoms include dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue, joint pain, and organ/systemic (e.g., central nervous system or gastrointestinal) dysfunction. Symptoms range from mild to severely disabling, and early treatment helps with long-term outcomes. Treatment options include eye drops, Plaquenil, and immunosuppressants (such as prednisone or methotrexate), which all have their own disabling side effects (American College of Rheumatology).
Sjögren's Syndrome Social Security Disability
Simply being diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome (or any impairment) does not guarantee approval for disability benefits. As we've written many times, the severity of symptoms is more important than the name of the disease. As mentioned above, symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome can range from mild to severely disabling. If you only have mild symptoms, your chances of getting approved for Social Security Disability are low.
The SSA can use the Handicap List, the Medical Occupational Guide (Grid), or a combination of your handicaps to determine whether you have a disability. In the list of injuries, SSA has 14.10 Sjögren's syndrome. However, this list (like most lists) is difficult to satisfy. It needs to involve two or more body systems, with at least one symptom involved to a moderate degree of severity, and at least two symptoms or recurring symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome. If you fit this list, you're experiencing severe symptoms that make work the least of your concerns.
The mesh can help people with Sjögren's disease age 50 or older who have fatigue or other symptoms that affect their ability to walk, stand and lift. Anyone under 50 will find little help here. Finally, the SSA can combine your impairments to determine whether you are unable to work. About half of people with Sjogren's disease also have rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. The combination of symptoms of an autoimmune disease can certainly be disabling, especially when high doses of immunosuppressants must be used to control the symptoms.
If your Sjögren's syndrome prevents you from working, you should apply for Social Security Disability benefits as soon as possible. Delays may result in you losing your benefits. The Bishop Law Firm represents Social Security disability clients in Raleigh, North Carolina, Durham, Fayetteville, Cary, Rocky Mount, Wilson, Smithfield, Lewisburg, Chapel Hill, Roanoke Rapids, Winston-Salem, Garner, Greensboro, Greenville, and the surrounding areas. Call us today for a free case review at (919) 615-3095.
