Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Undifferentiated and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
Undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) are both autoimmune diseases that affect connective tissues, but they have different characteristics:
Undifferentiated connective tissue disease
A diagnosis of UCTD is given when a patient has symptoms of multiple autoimmune diseases but doesn’t meet the criteria for any specific one. UCTD is also known as latent lupus or incomplete lupus. Symptoms include joint pain, muscle pain, rashes, dry eyes, and mouth ulcers. Blood tests can help determine if a patient has UCTD.
Mixed connective tissue disease
A diagnosis of MCTD is given when a patient has symptoms of three specific autoimmune diseases: lupus, scleroderma, and myositis. Symptoms include joint pain, muscle aches, fatigue, puffy fingers, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and skin rashes. Patients with MCTD also have positive ANAs and RNP antibodies.
To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines these disabilities, visit Section 14.06 of the Blue Book.
Does Undifferentiated and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease Qualify for Disability?
Yes, people with undifferentiated and mixed connective tissue disease do qualify, but they need to meet the requirements of the SSA’s guidelines for this disability. Here they are below:
14.06 Undifferentiated and mixed connective tissue disease. As described in 14.00D5. With:
A. Involvement of two or more organs/body systems, with:
1. One of the organs/body systems involved to at least a moderate level of severity; and
2. At least two of the constitutional symptoms or signs (severe fatigue, fever, malaise, or involuntary weight loss).
OR
B. Repeated manifestations of undifferentiated or mixed connective tissue disease, with at least two of the constitutional symptoms or signs (severe fatigue, fever, malaise, or involuntary weight loss) and one of the following at the marked level:
1. Limitation of activities of daily living.
2. Limitation in maintaining social functioning.
3. Limitation in completing tasks in a timely manner due to deficiencies in concentration, persistence, or pace.
If you do not meet or equal the above listings, you can still qualify for disability benefits if the impairment prevents you from doing your past relevant work or other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy.
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 undifferentiated and mixed connective tissue disease and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
