When Does Lupus Qualify for Disability in TX?

Social Security Disability Insurance Can Offer Financial Relief

You can qualify for disability benefits for lupus if your symptoms keep you from working, but just having a diagnosis won’t be enough.

You need to be able to show Social Security that your health problems are severe enough to stop you from working for 12 months or longer.

A Dallas disability lawyer from Morgan Weisbrod can help you do this. We know Social Security’s high standards, and we’ll work to help you meet them.

Morgan Weisbrod is one of the top disability firms in Texas for successful claims, according to recent SSA data. We’ve been helping with applications for benefits and all stages of appeals for more than 50 years.

Lupus attacks multiple organs and systems, causing fatigue, malaise and other symptoms that can drain you and make it impossible to hold a job, but it will take serious effort to make a claims examiner see your situation that way.

We’ll be with you every step of the way, helping you fight for the benefits you deserve. If you’re approved, monthly benefits can help restore a degree of financial stability and let you focus more on your health.

The initial consultation is free, so schedule a meeting with our team and talk to us about your lupus disability claim.

You won’t pay an attorney fee unless you win benefits.

Does Social Security Consider Lupus a Disability?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) keeps a list of qualifying impairments on its website, and lupus is included in category 14.00, Immune System Disorders – Adult.

Under listing 14.02 for systemic lupus erythematosus, Social Security is looking for one of two qualifications:

1. Involvement of two or more organs/body systems, with:

a. One of the organ/body systems being involved to at least a moderate level of severity AND

b. At least two of the constitutional symptoms or signs of lupus (severe fatigue, malaise, fever or involuntary weight loss)

2. Repeated manifestations of lupus with at least two of the constitutional symptoms (severe fatigue, malaise, fever or involuntary weight loss) and one of the following at a marked level:

a. Limitation of activities of daily living

b. Limitation in maintaining social functioning

c. Limitation in completing tasks in a timely manner due to deficiencies in concentration, persistence or pace

Some people don’t meet these exact requirements but still can’t work because of their health.

If you suffer from other health problems in addition to lupus, figuring out whether you qualify under this listing can get complicated.

Don’t assume that you can’t qualify for disability benefits, and don’t let the complicated rules intimidate you.

Talk to a Dallas disability attorney who can help you build your lupus disability claim.

Start with a FREE, no-obligation case evaluation.

What Evidence Do I Need for a Lupus Disability Claim in Texas?

Even if you think you meet listing 14.02’s requirements exactly, you can’t just tell Social Security that and wait for your benefits to start arriving.

Making a convincing case for disability benefits won’t be easy. You’ll need to back up your lupus disability claim with plenty of evidence, not just your own testimony about your symptoms.

If you’re applying for disability, you need to include items like:

Lab test results, like blood and urine tests
Imaging results that show how lupus affects your organ systems
Information about treatments you’ve tried and their effectiveness
A list of your prescription medications, dosages, effects and side effects
Your doctor’s assessment of your everyday functioning
Information about how often you experience the constitutional symptoms of lupus
Evidence of other conditions that affect your ability to work, like fibromyalgia
Information about accommodations you needed at work, like reduced workloads or extra breaks
Statements from friends, family members, coworkers and others who have seen your health struggles

You need to be specific about your symptoms and how they affect you in your daily life.

Symptoms like seizures and joint pain can make physical jobs impossible to do, or even dangerous.

Headaches and confusion can make it difficult to concentrate on any job, including desk jobs you might otherwise manage despite physical limitations.

Common lupus symptoms like rashes and sores can also make you self-conscious, further compounding all the stress that you’re already experiencing. Mental health conditions related to lupus should also be part of your disability claim.

And don’t just think about work. Be ready to talk about how lupus makes daily chores, like taking care of yourself or cleaning your home, a challenge.

Social Security will look at whether there is any job you can still do, even with your symptoms.

You need to provide evidence that demonstrates that working a substantial amount at any kind of job isn’t possible due to your health.

When Should I Contact a Dallas Disability Lawyer?

You should talk to our Dallas Social Security Disability lawyers as soon as you think you can no longer work due to your lupus.

Some lawyers will tell you to apply on your own and come back if you get denied disability benefits. That’s not how our team approaches this process.

We want to help you build a convincing lupus disability claim from the very first steps.

The disability attorneys of Morgan Weisbrod can:

Listen to your story and learn how lupus affects work and household tasks
Identify medical evidence that can make your lupus disability claim more convincing
Help you fill out application forms
Help you avoid common mistakes that can lead to denials
Support your appeal if you get denied disability benefits
Keep you informed about important deadlines
Represent you at your disability hearing in front of an administrative law judge (ALJ)
Cross-examine vocational or medical experts at your hearing
Ask the Appeals Council at Social Security to review your case, if necessary
File your appeal in Federal District Court, if needed

Getting approved for Social Security Disability is difficult for lupus and almost any other medical condition. Most Texans get denied benefits the first time they apply.

So don’t try to apply for lupus disability benefits on your own. Work with an experienced attorney who understands the Social Security Disability system and what makes a successful benefits claim.

The disability lawyers of Morgan Weisbrod have more than 70 years of combined experience. We’ve guided thousands of people through this process.

If you’re in Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington or anywhere else in Texas, reach out to us about your lupus disability claim.

We’re dedicated to helping people win benefits that can help them live with dignity and independence.

Contact Us Today.