This article discusses sarcoidosis and Social Security disability benefits. If you have been diagnosed with sarcoidosis, read how Social Security will evaluate your disability claim.
Types of disability benefits
Social Security provides two main types of disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is based on credits for work you have done throughout your life, while SSI is a need-based program. Before you are entitled to any benefits, you must be found disabled according to the SSA's five-step sequential assessment.
What is sarcoidosis?
Sarcoidosis is a growth of tiny inflammatory cells in different parts of the body. Via the Mayo Clinic. These inflammatory cells form lumps called granulomas. When an organ has many granulomas, it can affect the way the organ works. The most commonly affected organ is the lungs (pulmonary sarcoidosis), but any body organ may be affected (such as skin, lymph nodes, heart, brain, liver, eyes, and nervous system). Through the National Institutes of Health.
The true cause of sarcoidosis is unknown, but it may be caused by the body's immune system reacting to foreign substances in the body. There is no cure for sarcoidosis, and many people with the disease only have mild symptoms. But in some cases, sarcoidosis can cause organ damage.
Sarcoidosis is usually diagnosed through a physical exam, laboratory tests, X-rays, or pulmonary function tests (PFTs). The symptoms experienced vary depending on the body organ affected. For respiratory disease (lungs): Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, and dry cough. For other parts of the body: A scaly rash, red bumps on the legs, fever, sore eyes, and swollen ankles are all possible symptoms. Additionally, fatigue, weakness, and weight loss may occur. By the American Lung Association.
Methotrexate, Plaquenil, and Imuran are all medications used to treat patients with sarcoidosis. Unfortunately, these medications can have their own side effects that can cause patients to become disabled.
Can you be disabled by sarcoidosis?
As with every disability case handled by the Social Security Administration, the name of your condition is not as important as the severity of your symptoms. If you have sarcoidosis and your symptoms are mild but don't affect your ability to work, you'll have a hard time proving that you're not covered by Social Security. On the other hand, if your sarcoidosis severely affects your breathing or ability to complete activities of daily living, you will have a better chance of winning your disability claim.
The Social Security Administration will evaluate your sarcoidosis based on which body organs are affected. The lungs will be evaluated under the 3.00 Adult Respiratory System (see here for a discussion of the lung list). Eyes will be evaluated under 2.00 Special Senses and Speech (see here for a discussion of the vision list). Heart problems and skin conditions are also on the potential list that may apply to sarcoidosis patients.
Even if you do not meet the above list (and most people do not), you may still be found disabled due to sarcoidosis if it causes functional limitations that prevent you from performing basic work activities. If you are 50 years of age or older, these limits may be used to determine whether you have a disability under the SSA's Medical Occupation Guidelines (The Grids).
Sarcoidosis may occur simultaneously with other inflammatory diseases. You may also have multiple disabilities that prevent you from working. If you have been diagnosed with sarcoidosis and are unable to work, file a claim for SSDI/SSI benefits as soon as possible.
The Bishop Law Firm represents clients in Raleigh, North Carolina and the surrounding areas. Call us today for a free case evaluation at (919) 615-3095.
Also Read Social Security Disability Procedures
