How Lupus Qualifies for Social Security Disability. Social Security maintains a list of official qualifying diseases, called its ‚ÄúBlue Book,‚Äù and lupus is included on the list. For Social Security’s purposes, lupus qualifies as a disability when it meets these conditions: It involves two or more organs or body systems.
What category of disability is lupus?
Social Security maintains a Listing of Impairments for each of the major body systems. Lupus is listed under Immune System Disorders in section 14.02.
How to help someone with lupus?
Educate yourself about lupus. Work together with your loved one to better understand the disease. Work on healthy communication. Lupus is a big adjustment, make time to talk about how this transition is affecting you. Create a care file. Develop a daily care plan.
What is the life expectancy of a person with lupus?
With close follow-up and treatment, 80-90% of people with lupus can expect to live a normal life span. It is true that medical science has not yet developed a method for curing lupus, and some people do die from the disease. However, for the majority of people living with the disease today, it will not be fatal.
Does lupus qualify you for disability Related Questions
What jobs should you avoid with lupus?
People with lupus should avoid jobs that involve extreme physical labor or long periods of standing. Additionally, they should avoid jobs that require working in extreme temperatures or with hazardous materials, as these may worsen symptoms or cause flare-ups.
How much does disability pay for lupus?
Some lupus victims may be able to work. But if working is not possible for you, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can help you pay your medical bills. The Maximum SSDI benefit amount per month is $3,627 in 2023. If you are approved for SSDI, then you may be eligible for federal Medicare benefits.
What organs does lupus affect?
It can affect your joints, tendons, kidneys, and skin. It can affect blood vessels. And it can affect organs such as the heart, lungs, and brain. It can cause rashes, fatigue, pain, and fever.
Is lupus serious?
The seriousness of SLE can range from mild to life-threatening. The disease should be treated by a doctor or a team of doctors who specialize in care of SLE patients. People with lupus that get proper medical care, preventive care, and education can significantly improve function and quality of life.
What is lupus pain like?
Muscle and joint pain. You may experience pain and stiffness, with or without swelling. This affects most people with lupus. Common areas for muscle pain and swelling include the neck, thighs, shoulders, and upper arms.
What makes lupus worse?
Emotional stress — such as a divorce, death in the family, or other life complications — and anything that causes physical stress to the body — such as surgery, physical harm, pregnancy, or giving birth — are examples of triggers that can set off lupus or bring about a lupus flare.
Is living with lupus hard?
Living with lupus can be hard, but a positive outlook is important. You can do several things to help you live with lupus. A good place to start managing your lupus is to work with your doctor and take your medications as directed. At times, you may feel sadness and anger.
What foods make lupus worse?
Alcohol. While you do not have to stop drinking altogether, limiting alcoholic beverages will ensure that your medications work as they should. Alfalfa and Garlic. Red Meat. Saturated Fat and Trans Fat. Sodium. Increase Foods Rich in Calcium.
Does lupus get worse as you age?
With age, symptom activity with lupus often declines, but symptoms you already have may grow more severe. The accumulation of damage over years may result in the need for joint replacements or other treatments.
What are the signs that lupus is getting worse?
Feeling more tired. Pain. Rash. Fever. Stomach ache. Severe headache. Dizziness.
How does a person get lupus?
The environment. Sunlight, stress, smoking, certain medicines, and viruses may trigger symptoms in people who are most likely to get lupus due to their genes. Hormones such as estrogen. Lupus is more common in women during their childbearing years when estrogen levels are highest.
What is the enemy of lupus?
The sun is the main source of ultraviolet light and is enemy no. 1 for patients with lupus, because it can trigger the disease or trigger flares at any time in its development.
What are daily struggles with lupus?
Having lupus can make everyday life challenging. When your lupus is active, symptoms like joint stiffness, pain, fatigue, confusion, or depression can make simple tasks difficult ‚Äî and sometimes impossible. Since these symptoms aren’t visible, the people around you may have trouble understanding how you feel.
What stops a lupus flare?
Hydroxychloroquine: an antimalarial drug that is effective for treating lupus-related arthritis and rashes. It reduces flares by 50 percent and may also help prevent blood clots.
Can you work full time with lupus?
Many people with lupus are able to continue to work, although they may need to make changes in their work environment. Flexible work hours, job-sharing, and telecommuting may help you to keep working. It may be helpful to begin to make such arrangements soon after you have been diagnosed with lupus.
Can lupus put you in a wheelchair?
“Not every patient with lupus has that degree of severity but when you have your immune system attacking your kidneys or your heart or your lungs, that can be life threatening.” At one point Williams lost 50 percent of her muscle mass and was unable to even move, confined to a wheelchair.