Can I Seek Social Security Disability (SSD) for Autoimmune Diseases?

Image shows back of a female doctor speaking to a blond-haired middle-aged female patientAutoimmune diseases are debilitating and can severely limit your ability to maintain employment, affecting both your career and financial stability. Common conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease may qualify for SSDI benefits when they meet Social Security’s strict criteria.

At Sigman Janssen, our experienced SSDI lawyers in Green Bay help you understand the complex requirements for proving disability due to autoimmune conditions. We can help you with the application process and fight for the benefits you deserve. Call our law offices today to discuss your situation in a free consultation. We can answer your questions and determine whether your autoimmune disease meets Social Security’s definition of a disability.

Request your free, no-risk case review today. (920) 335-1394

What Autoimmune Diseases May Qualify for Social Security Disability?

The Social Security Administration recognizes numerous autoimmune diseases as qualifying conditions for disability benefits. The SSA evaluates these conditions under Section 14.00 of their Blue Book listings, which specifically addresses immune system disorders.

The most common qualifying autoimmune conditions include:

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Affects over 1.3 million Americans with chronic joint inflammation and deformity
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Nearly 1 million people in the U.S. suffer from progressive neurological symptoms.
  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): About 200,000 Americans suffer from multi-system inflammation.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, affecting about 1.6 million Americans
  • Sjögren’s Syndrome: Causes severe dry eyes and mouth, often with joint pain and fatigue, affecting up to 4 million Americans.
  • Myasthenia Gravis: Symptoms include muscle weakness and fatigue, affecting approximately 60,000 Americans
  • Scleroderma: Progression of this disease causes the skin and internal organs to harden in roughly 100,000 people in the U.S.
  • Systemic Vasculitis: Causes blood vessel inflammation throughout the body.
  • Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis: Sufferers experience progressive muscle weakness.

Each of these conditions must meet specific medical criteria to qualify for benefits. For example, rheumatoid arthritis must show persistent inflammation or deformity in multiple major joints, while MS claims require evidence of motor function limitations, visual impairment or cognitive decline.

How Does Social Security Evaluate My Autoimmune Disease?

Social Security follows a strict five-step process to evaluate your autoimmune disease disability claim. First, they check whether you’re currently working and earning more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit, which affects your eligibility for benefits. Next, they assess the severity of your condition to determine if it significantly limits your ability to perform basic work activities.

The SSA then compares your medical evidence to their Blue Book listings for immune system disorders. Your medical records must show that your autoimmune disease meets or equals the specific criteria outlined in Section 14.00. For example, they look for evidence of:

  • Repeated flare-ups that require medication adjustments
  • Severe fatigue and malaise that affects daily activities
  • Constitutional symptoms like fever and weight loss
  • Organ involvement or dysfunction
  • Limited mobility or dexterity
  • Cognitive difficulties or “brain fog”

If your condition doesn’t exactly match the Blue Book criteria, the SSA creates a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment. This detailed evaluation examines your ability to perform physical tasks like lifting, standing, and walking, as well as mental tasks such as concentrating and following instructions. They consider your age, education, work experience, and any job skills that could transfer to less demanding work.

To support your claim, provide detailed documentation of your symptoms’ frequency and severity, all medications and treatments you’ve tried, and how your condition limits your daily activities. The SSA particularly values statements from your treating physicians about your limitations and prognosis.

What Evidence Do I Need to Qualify for SSDI With an Autoimmune Disease?

Medical evidence forms the foundation of your SSDI claim for autoimmune disease. The Social Security Administration requires comprehensive documentation that clearly shows your diagnosis, symptoms, treatment history and how your condition limits your ability to work. Here is the specific evidence you need to support your claim:

  • Medical records documenting your diagnosis, including lab tests, imaging results and specialist evaluations
  • Blood work and other diagnostic tests that confirm your autoimmune disorder.
  • Detailed treatment notes from your rheumatologist or immunologist showing the progression of your condition.
  • Documentation of all medications you take, including side effects and their impact on your daily activities.
  • Emergency room visits or hospitalizations related to disease flares.
  • Physical therapy or occupational therapy records showing functional limitations
  • Mental health records if your condition affects your cognitive abilities or causes depression.
  • A written statement from your treating physician describing your limitations and long-term prognosis.
  • Your own detailed symptom diary tracking flares, fatigue levels and daily limitations.
  • Statements from previous employers about workplace accommodations or limitations.

In addition to providing this evidence, it is critical that you attend your medical appointments and follow prescribed treatments consistently. The SSA looks for a documented history of regular medical care and compliance with treatment recommendations when evaluating your claim.

How Our Green Bay Disability Lawyers Can Help You With Your SSDI Claim

At Sigman Janssen, our experienced SSDI attorneys can identify the exact medical evidence needed to support your autoimmune disease claim and guide you through the complex application process.

When you work with our highly qualified legal team in Wisconsin, we advise you on key documentation you need from your medical providers. We can also help you understand SSA’s evaluation criteria and communicate directly with Social Security on your behalf. Most importantly, if your initial claim is denied, we know how to strengthen your appeal by identifying gaps in medical evidence, obtaining critical physician statements, and presenting your case effectively before an Administrative Law Judge.

Call: (920) 335-1394 today to get started. There are no upfront costs or fees to pay.