As an Oklahoma resident, can you get disability for an autoimmune disease? You may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if you cannot work. However, you must meet specific medical and employment requirements to secure these monthly cash benefits.
Autoimmune Disease Disability Definition
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA) Blue Book, autoimmune disorders cause a dysfunctional immune response that results in the body attacking its own healthy tissues. Autoimmune diseases, sometimes called rheumatic diseases, can lead to chronic impairments affecting multiple body systems.
SSA Evaluation of Autoimmune Diseases
Is an autoimmune disease a disability? The Blue Book includes autoimmune diseases under the section on immune system disorders. Each autoimmune condition contains specific criteria the SSA will look at when determining if the illness is disabling. For many conditions, the criteria states that the disease must:
- Moderately affects one or more organs or body systems
- Affect at least two constitutional systems
- Limit activities of daily living, social functioning, or the ability to complete tasks in a timely manner due to struggles with concentration, persistence, or pace
If your health problems do not meet the criteria, it does not mean you are ineligible for disability benefits. You may still qualify if you can prove the severity of your condition prevents you from working.
Common Types of Autoimmune Disorders
Common types of autoimmune disorders include:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Inflammatory arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Connective tissue disorders
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- HIV infection
- Multiple sclerosis
- Systemic vasculitis
- Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)
- Polymyositis and dermatomyositis
You can apply for disability benefits for conditions not listed in the Blue Book, but you must prove the disease is as severe and disabling as those included.
How Do You Qualify for Disability Benefits?
To qualify for disability benefits, you must meet medical and work requirements. You will need to prove that:
- You have a qualifying autoimmune disorder that meets the SSA’s evaluation criteria
- Your condition is expected to be fatal, has lasted at least 12 months, or is expected to last 12 months
- Your disease prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA)
- You have enough work credits earned through employment if seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- You meet low-income requirements if seeking Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
You must supply the SSA with medical documentation to prove you qualify. Applicants can encounter many pitfalls, and many initial Social Security Disability claims are denied, requiring an appeal.
Contact Our Oklahoma Disability Attorneys for Help
Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons can help you cut through the red tape and guide you through the process of applying for Social Security Disability benefits. Our team has assisted clients with SSDI and SSI claims for over 30 years. We know what it takes to get the benefits you deserve. If you get denied, we can fight for you during an appeal.
Contact us today for a free consultation and connect with our experienced Oklahoma disability attorneys.
We are Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, a legal firm that, for decades, has been fighting for the rights of hardworking Oklahoma residents. Our mission is to hold the powerful accountable.
