Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is a condition that causes your immune system to overreact and make lumps or nodules called granulomas. Depending on location and size, granulomas can cause mild to severe symptoms or no symptoms at all. In some cases, they can turn into fibrosis, causing permanent lung scarring.
Granulomas can be found almost anywhere in your body, but they’re most commonly found in your lungs or lymph nodes. You may also have noticeable symptoms of granulomas in your skin, eyes or muscles. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 3.00 of the Blue Book.
Does Sarcoidosis Qualify for Disability?
Sarcoidosis doesn’t have its own disability listing, but if your symptoms are severe enough, the SSA will evaluate your disability claim under the listing for the organ affected with sarcoidosis. Below are some examples of listings that people with sarcoidosis might meet or equal that can qualify them for disability benefits.
- If sarcoidosis affects your lungs, you might qualify under the listings for chronic respiratory disorders, bronchiectasis, or asthma if your lungs aren’t pushing enough air out.
- If sarcoidosis affects your skin, you might qualify under one of the listings for skin disorders (such as ichthyosis) if you have extensive lesions that don’t go away after three months of treatment.
- If sarcoidosis affects your eyes and you have trouble with sight, you might qualify based on the listings for loss of central visual acuity, peripheral vision, or visual efficiency.
- If sarcoidosis affects your heart, you might qualify based on the listing for recurrent arrhythmias, chronic heart failure, or heart transplantation.
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 sarcoidosis and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
