Qualifying for Disability Benefits with AIDS
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, otherwise referred to as AIDS, is the late stage of HIV infection that occurs when the body’s immune system is badly damaged because of the virus. In the U.S., most people with HIV do not develop AIDS because taking HIV medicine as prescribed stops the progression of the disease. A person with HIV is considered to have progressed to AIDS when:
- the number of their CD4 cells falls below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood (200 cells/mm3). (In someone with a healthy immune system, CD4 counts are between 500 and 1,600 cells/mm3.)
OR - they develop one or more opportunistic infections regardless of their CD4 count.
Without HIV medicine, people with AIDS typically survive about 3 years. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 14.00 of the Blue Book.
Does AIDS Qualify for Disability?
While AIDS itself does not have a specific listing, those with the disorder can qualify under subsection 14.11: “Human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV).” Because HIV can cause a variety of different, severe symptoms, there are multiple ways an applicant can qualify. Aside from medical tests proving the presence of HIV, applicants must also show evidence of one of the following entries:
A. Multicentric Castleman disease affecting multiple groups of lymph nodes or organs containing lymphoid tissue (can be confirmed by a physician or certain medical tests)
B. Primary central nervous system lymphoma (lymphoma that originates in the eye, spinal cord, meninges, or brain; requires an official test for diagnosis)
C. Primary effusion lymphoma (also known as body cavity lymphoma; requires a biopsy or other test to confirm the disorder)
D. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (a neurological disorder that causes changes in mental function and personality; requires an MRI or spinal fluid test to diagnose)
E. Pulmonary Kaposi sarcoma (a severe lung disorder; can be diagnosed with a biopsy or lung fluid test)
F. Absolute CD4 count of 50 cells/mm3 or less (shows a severe lack of proper immune system protection; can be diagnosed with a blood test)
G. Absolute CD4 count of 200 cells/mm3 or less as well as either BMI less than 18.5 or hemoglobin measurements of less than 8.0 grams per deciliter (can be measured with blood testing and a standard BMI test)
H. Complications of HIV infection requiring at least three 48-hour-or-more hospital visits within a 12-month period (complications can include infection, cancer, inflammatory issues, flu-like symptoms, malnutrition, depression, etc.; requires hospitalization records)
I. Repeated manifestations of HIV infection (other mental/physical limitations, infections, or disorders not listed above) resulting in significant, documented signs of HIV (involuntary weight loss, vomiting, severe fatigue, fever, etc.) as well as either limited functions of daily living, limited social functioning, or limitations in concentrating or completing normal tasks (can be proven with medical documentation, medication lists, hospitalization records, physician notes, RFC tests to measure functioning ability, etc.)
It may be difficult to tell on your own whether or not your AIDS diagnosis meets the requirements of this Blue Book listing. While most people with AIDS are able to qualify here, it is important to speak with your doctor to assess your situation first before applying.
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 AIDS and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
