Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Systemic Vasculitis
Systemic vasculitis is an inclusive term applied to a group of disorders that cause the inflammation of blood vessels. The affected vessels may be the arteries (which carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the rest of the body) or the veins (which carry oxygen-poor blood back to the heart, which pumps it toward the lungs where it gets more oxygen). This inflammation can result in scarring, weakening, narrowing or thickening in the walls of the blood vessels. Sometimes vasculitis can be so severe that it affects the flow of blood to tissues and organs, resulting in damage to the structures and adversely impacting the function of the organs. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 7.00 of the Blue Book.
Does Systemic Vasculitis Qualify for Disability?
Yes, people with systemic vasculitis do qualify, but they need to meet the requirements of the SSA’s guidelines for this disability. Here they are below:
Involvement of at least 2 organs or organ systems with:
- At least one of the organs/systems moderately impacted, and
- At least 2 constitutional symptoms, or
Ongoing manifestations of systemic vasculitis with a minimum of 2 constitutional symptoms, and at least one of the following at a predetermined level of severity:
- Impact on social functioning.
- Impact on activities of daily living.
- Impact on the ability to complete tasks in a timely manner due to inability to concentrate or focus.
Depending on the type, diagnosis of systemic vasculitis may be done via blood tests, MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, angiogram (X-ray of the blood vessels), urinalysis, or a biopsy of the affected blood vessel.
How Do I Apply for Disability Benefits?
To apply for disability benefits, it’s important to understand the disability application process. If you’ve been diagnosed with systemic vasculitis and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
