Individuals who suffer from lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) may be entitled to disability benefits under Social Security Listing 14.02. The listing provides the criteria for disability as follows:
A. Involvement of two or more organs/body systems (i.e. lungs, musculoskeletal system, kidneys, skin, etc)
1. One of the organs/body systems involved to at least a moderate level of severity; and
2. At least two of the constitutional symptoms or signs (such as severe fatigue, fever, malaise, or involuntary weight loss). Or
B. Repeated manifestations of SLE, with at least two of the constitutional symptoms of signs (noted above) and one of the following at a marked level:
1. Limitation in activities of daily living.
2. Limitation in maintaining social functioning.
3. Limitation in completing tasks in a timely manner due to deficiencies in concentration, persistence or pace.
If your symptoms meet the above criteria, then Social Security should determine that you are disabled. Even if you do not exactly either of those two requirements, you may still be found disabled if the symptoms which you are experiencing would keep you from performing work on a sustained basis (i.e. 8 hours a day, 5 days a week). For example, if you have fatigue and pain which would cause problems with concentration, would cause you to be absent from work or would cause you to need frequent breaks, Social Security may also determine that you are disabled. If your conditions meets any of these criteria, please feel free to contact our office for further assistance.