Sjögren's syndrome, an immune system disorder in which white platelets attack the tear and spit organs, has gained a reputation as a crippling disease in recent years.
While Sjögren's syndrome produces dry eyes and lips at initially, it can also lead to tiredness and damage to other bodily parts. Extreme cases of Sjögren's syndrome may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance Program (SSDI) payments.
The Social Security Administration does not provide financial assistance to everyone who is diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome (SSA).
Only individuals who can provide persuasive clinical evidence that matches the severity of their illness will be evaluated for disability compensation.
How to Get Disability Benefits for Sjögren's syndrome?
Incapacity benefits are available to those with Sjögren's syndrome. If you have Sjögren's Syndrome, you can fulfil all of the conditions for disability compensation if you:
- - At least two organs/body frameworks are included, with one of the organs/body frameworks requiring a moderate level of seriousness; and
- - At least two of the well-known side symptoms or indications (like a fever, compulsory weight reduction, discomfort or extreme fever)
Or
Repetition of Sjögren's syndrome symptoms, including at least two of the protected side effects or signs (compulsory weight loss, discomfort, excessive tiredness, or fever) and one of the accompanying symptoms at the obvious level:
- - Simple exercises or acts of daily life are hampered.
- - Having trouble keeping up with social work.
- - Due to a lack of concentration, attentiveness, or diligence, it is difficult to do work as rapidly as possible.
Role of Blue Book for Sjögren's Condition
Until recently, persons diagnosed with Sjögren's condition had to match one of the Blue Book's other immune system illnesses. The Blue Book is a list of situations that satisfy all handicap standards.
This clinical assistance assists executives in determining whether conditions qualify as handicaps and what specific actions and side effects must have been approved.
Sjögren's syndrome was included in the Blue Book as segment 14.10 in 2008. Those suffering from Sjögren's syndrome might now find a job that is specifically for them.
The quickest way to get Social Security disability payments is to "meet a disability listing or get an RFC."
To help you with the data collection process, below is the most important clinical proof you should provide in connection with your Sjögren's condition, which will offer you the highest chance of receiving SSDI funding.
Sjögren's Syndrome Diagnosis Requires Evidence
A comprehensive medical history of your Sjogren's syndrome is the first sort of medical data that the Blue Book specifically demands.
"You should be able to give proof of your illness, such as a physical exam and diagnostic testing. Any of the following symptoms that you may be experiencing should be discussed in your physical examination notes"
- - A dry mouth or a dry eye
- - Damage to the eyes, such as corneal abrasions or inflammation of the eyelids, makes swallowing difficult.
- - Any trouble speaking Dry cough that persists
- - Fatigue or malaise that is severe
- - Fevers
- - Weight reduction that is unintentional
- - Any issues relating to other bodily systems.
A few tests may help you confirm your findings, and the following should be written down for your records:
Blood antibody tests: Antibodies for Sjogren's condition include enemy of atomic antibodies (ANA), rheumatoid variable (RF), SS-A (Ro), and SS-B (Bo) (La).
Additional blood tests: These include the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and immunoglobulins (IG). A liver and kidney board may also be performed to see if there are any concerns with your organs that are related.
Ophthalmologic (Eye) Tests: The Rose Bengal or Lissamine Green test, as well as the Schirmer test, are examples of ophthalmologic (eye) tests.
Dental Imaging Tests: Salivary Scintigraphy are two types of dental imaging tests.
Lip (or salivary gland biopsy): A positive lip biopsy is considered the "highest quality level" for diagnosing Sjogren's disease.
Sjögren's syndrome affects many people in the US. Be sure that your rheumatologist has documented all of the relevant information as documented above in order to improve your chances of winning disability.
Many additional organ systems are frequently affected by Sjogren's syndrome. The following are some of the most commonly linked bodily systems and symptoms:
- - Respiratory: Lung diseases including pulmonary fibrosis
- - Musculoskeletal: Arthritis, muscle inflammation
- - Gastrointestinal Difficulty: swallowing, difficulty digesting food, involuntary weight loss
- - Neurologic: Nerve damage in the brain and body, dizziness, imbalance
- - Mental: Poor memory, difficulty with processing information
- - Neoplastic: Lymphoma
- - Genitourinary: Bladder spasms, kidney disorders
- - Skin: Bruising, inflammation of veins
- - Other autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
If you've had any of the symptoms listed above, make sure your doctor records everything and you present all your medical documentation in your disability application.
According to the Blue Book, you must have at least two of the following constitutional symptoms: extreme fatigue, fever, malaise, or involuntary weight loss AND one of the organ/body systems implicated with a moderate level of severity.
Consult a Disability Attorney
If you need help regarding your disability application, you can seek legal help from our expert disability attorneys.