Scleroderma and Social Security Disability Benefits

Chicago Social Security Disability Application Lawyer

What Is Scleroderma?

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder and specifically a connective tissue disease. The body’s immune system turns on itself and attacks healthy tissue. There is no cure for Scleroderma and unfortunately it can be difficult to diagnose. This is mainly because Scleroderma has many different symptoms and can effect many different parts of the body.

If you or someone you know suffers from Scleroderma and want to see if you qualify for Social Security disability benefits (whether SSDI or SSI), feel free to contact Pearson Disability Law, LLC at 312-999-0999.

Can I Get Social Security Disability Benefits If I Suffer From Scleroderma?

Scleroderma is absolutely recognized by the Social Security Administration! If Scleroderma is preventing you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits (whether SSDI or SSI), even if your application has been denied. When you apply for disability benefits with Scleroderma, the Social Security Administration will first determine whether your condition is severe enough to meet a listing. If you meet a listing you will be found disabled. If you do not meet a listing, the Social Security Administration will then evaluate your residual functional capacity (the most work that you can do despite your medical condition(s)).

Is There A Specific Listing For Scleroderma?

The Social Security Administration recognizes Scleroderma under Listing of Impairments 14.04: Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), which can be found on the Social Security Administration website. However, because most of the listing is structured using medical terminology, it can be quite difficult to know whether you will meet the Scleroderma listing. If you or a family member suffers from Scleroderma and are unable to work and want to know more about whether you might qualify for Social Security disability benefits (either SSDI or SSI), contact our law firm today at 312-999-0999 for a free consultation.

If I Do Not Meet The Listing, Is There Another Way To Get Social Security Disability Benefits?

Yes! If you do not meet Listing 14.04 and Scleroderma is preventing you from working, you may still qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

The Social Security Administration will proceed with your case by evaluating your Residual Functional Capacity. To do this, the Administration will determine the most amount of work that you can do despite your limitations. They do this by dividing “work” into four different categories: heavy, medium, light, and sedentary. It is worth noting that there is sometimes a fifth category that is recognized for very heavy work; however, very heavy work is scarcely used. Whether a claimant wins his or her disability claim is greatly affected by which category he or she is ultimately put into. Being put into a lower category increases the likelihood that a claim is approved for Social Security disability benefits.