URL: http://www.disabilityblogger.blogspot.comMy Social Security Disability Blog, a blog that publishes information on the disability programs conducted by the social security administration (social security disability and SSI disability), has recently posted information for disability claimants who are filing a claim on the basis of Lupus. Lupus, or Systemic lupus erythematosus, is a chronic autoimmune disorder, a type of disease in which the immune system attacks the body's own cells. As such, and is the case with many autoimmune disorders, Lupus typically involves inflammation and damage to a number of body organ systems. There is no cure for lupus. And for those who suffer from the effects of lupus (to skin, joints, heart, lung, liver, and other areas), treatment focuses on managing the symtomology of lupus. But in addition to its physical manifestions, Lupus, according to Tim Moore, the publisher of My Social Security Disability Blog, presents several other problems from a disability adjudication standpoint. First of all, lupus, as a disease, is an "imitator". Imitators are diseases for which the symptoms vary so widely that they can easily be mistaken for other disorders and disease processes. This, of course, tends to lead to misdiagnosis and/or very late proper diagnosis. How does the imitator aspect of Lupus potentially affect an individual who is filing for disability benefits with the social security administration? By muddying the waters, so to speak. Disability examiners, who render decisions on social security disability and SSI disability claims and appeals, review medical records to look for evidence of diagnosed conditions. Mental and physical conditions for which a clear diagnosis has been made by a treating physician may then be checked against the social security disability blue book, a manual that lists the approval criteria for a number of physical and mental impairments. In the case of lupus, if a proper diagnosis has not been made, a claimant may possibly fail to receive consideration under the social security administration's listing for lupus...Click to read more
