Social Security Disability SSI and Filing based on Lupus   These selected pages answer some of the most basic, but also some of the most important, questions for individuals who are considering filing a claim for disability benefits. How to apply for disability and the information that Social Security needs Who will qualify for disability and what qualifying is based on Requirements for disability - Qualifications Criteria for SSD and SSI How to Prove you are disabled and win your disability benefits About the disorder SLE or lupus is an inflammatory immune disorder that can affect any body part. For example, SLE may harm joints, heart, kidneys, lungs, skin, blood vessels or even the nervous system. While lupus is incurable and can be fatal it can most often be treatable. Unfortunately the disease course is often unpredictable because of alternating periods of exacerbation and remission. The symptoms of lupus are severe fatigue, joint pain, fever, myalgias, involuntary weight loss, skin rashes, anemia, headaches, and multitude of other potential symptoms dependant upon the body system or organ affected. Significant organ or body system involvement might include the following conditions: cardiovascular (pericarditis, vasculitis, endocarditis, myocarditis), respiratory (pneumonitis, pleuritis), neurological (seizures), renal (glomerulonephritis) hematologic (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia), mental (mood disorders, anxiety, fluctuating cognition or lupus fog, psychosis, organic brain syndrome), skin (ulcers, rashes, photo sensitivity), or even other immune disorders (inflammatory arthritis). How the social security administration evaluates Lupus cases Social Security has a specific impairment listing in their disability guidebook or blue book, as it is more commonly known. Impairment listing 14.02 lists the criteria needed to meet or medically equal the severity requirements of the Social Security Disability program if a person has SLE or lupus. The disability applicant must have a diagnosis of SLE or lupus with: A. involvement of two or more body systems or organs. Additionally, one of the organs or body systems must involve at least a moderate level of severity; and two or more constitutional signs or symptoms (i.e. fever, severe fatigue, malaise, or involuntary weight loss). OR B. Recurring manifestations of SLE, with two or more of the constitutional symptoms or signs and one of the following at a severe or marked level: 1. Limitation in maintaining social functioning. 2. Limitation in completing tasks timely because of deficiencies in persistence, pace, or concentration. 3. Limitation of activities of daily living. Social Security considers the affects of lupus as it does any other medical or mental impairment. Lupus is a severe impairment if it prevents a person from working at a self-supportive level (Social Security has a monthly earnings amount that it considers self supporting ' SGA) for twelve continuous months or more. If a person does not specifically meet or equal the listing severity criteria of the lupus impairment listing, they may still be approved for disability benefits. Social Security has another method of approving individuals for disability. If a person is unable to work because of the limitations of lupus, they may be approved for disability through a medical vocational allowance. Social Security Disability examiners are able to consider a person's residual functional capacity (what they are able to do in spite of limitations of their lupus), age, education, past work activity and their ability to perform other types of work when their limitations are considered. If the disability examiner finds that their residual functional capacity is so restrictive it precludes their past work or jobs or any other work, they may be approved for disability benefits. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? 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