If you suffer from a disorder of the immune system and are considering applying for Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits, you probably have questions concerning what types of disorders are covered, and what you might need to prove your case.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes and pays out benefits for several different types of immune disorders. These types of immune disorders are broken into three categories:
– Autoimmune disorders
These disorders include conditions that are caused when the body’s immune system turns on itself which can result in long-term impairments that affect one or more body systems. These disorders include, but are not limited to, such impairments as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma.
– Immune deficiency disorders (excluding HIV)
While autoimmune disorders typically involve an immune system that is working too hard in some respect, this second group concerns disorders where the immune system is deficient in some way. These conditions include sepsis, meningitis, and endocarditis.
– HIV
The third type of immune disorder, HIV, is characterized by a weakening of the immune system, leaving the body open to many infections, as well as cancers and other conditions.
To earn SSDI benefits for the presence of an immune disorder, it will be necessary for you to provide the SSA with documentation proving its existence and effects
Medical Records
Depending on the disorder in question, different types of records might be needed. In general, though, the SSA will need the following types of information:
– Medical Histories
A long-term immune disorder requires management and care under the eyes of a trained health physician. Records of those visits, including treatments and prognoses, should be submitted to the SSA. Records from the emergency room or hospital visits should also be submitted.
– Medical Imaging and Tests
Any relevant medical tests and imaging procedures that speak to the nature or severity of your condition should be submitted. These might include such things as angiography, x-rays, CAT scans, MRIs, blood tests, myelography, biopsy reports, and bone scans.
– Physical Examination
The results of a physician-conducted physical exam should be submitted as well. This examination should include information concerning your past, current, and possible future physical condition and how your disorder affects your movement, health, and quality of life.
To qualify for SSDI benefits, medical records such as these, plus any other lab results, tests, or medical reports that speak to your specific disorder are required, as well as any other documents or records that the SSA deems necessary for determining your medical condition, and therefore, whether or not you should qualify for benefits.
