If you’re one of many people in Minnesota who has an adverse chronic health condition, you might have days where you’re barely able to function. In fact, if your condition is severe and has progressed, you might need support from numerous people and resources just to get through an average day. Perhaps you’re unable to work due to your condition and are considering filing a Social Security Disability (SSD) claim.
The claims system is complex, and several actions must take place before you can receive financial assistance through the SSD program. One such action is that your disability must undergo evaluation to ensure that it meets immune system disorder listing requirements for eligibility.
Immune system disorders are in three categories
To be eligible for SSD benefits, your immune system disorder must fall under one of the categories included in the following list:
- Immunodeficiency disorders (excluding HIV)
- Autoimmune disorders
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Immunodeficiency disorders (excluding HIV) typically do not respond well to treatments and may affect various parts of the body. If you have an autoimmune disorder, something has triggered a response in your immune system so that it is attacking your own body’s tissues. An HIV infection means that you are vulnerable to other infections, as well as cancer and numerous other potentially life-threatening illnesses.
You must provide proof of your condition
As part of the evaluation process to determine if you’re eligible for SSD benefits, you’ll be tasked with providing documentation that confirms that you have been diagnosed with an immune system disorder. Such documents might include your medical records, as well as biopsy reports or images from the radiology department.
Issues that increase eligibility for SSD benefits for an immune disorder listing
To qualify for SSD benefits, your condition must be severe. A severe immune system disorder often causes extreme fatigue, meaning exhaustion that incapacitates you. You might also have unexplained weight loss, fever or dissemination (meaning that your condition has affected a vast area of your body).
If your condition is extra-articular, this means that it has adversely affected areas of your body (especially organs, such as heart, lungs or kidneys) beyond your joints. You might also suffer from restricted mobility due to your immune system disorder. All of these issues increase your chance of eligibility for receiving SSD benefits under an immune system disorder listing.
What if your claim receives a denial?
If you go through the whole process of filing a claim to receive SSD benefits under an immune system disorder listing, there’s a chance that the Social Security Administration will deny your request. This does not necessarily mean you will not eventually obtain approval. The SSA denies many claims the first time around but later approves them after an appeal. It’s helpful to seek guidance before navigating the appellate system.
