May is Lupus Awareness Month, raised at educating the public about the autoimmune disease that can damage a victim’s skin and organs.
According to the Lupus Foundation of America, the symptoms, which include inflammation, pain and damage in various parts of the body, can last for several years in victims. The disease can cause victims to have flare ups and go through remission at various points of adulthood. About 1.5 million Americans suffer from lupus, and more than 16,000 new cases are reported every year.
Women are more likely to be lupus victims, with most developing symptoms between the ages of 15-44. Additionally, people of color are more likely to develop lupus than Caucasians are.
This year, the Lupus Foundation of America is promoting the KNOW LUPUS campaign, in which people are being asked to share stories about their struggle. Additionally, the organization is supporting Put on Purple day, this Friday, May 15, in which people are being asked to wear purple in support of victims.
Social Security Disability and Lupus
If you suffer from lupus, you should know that you might be able to collect Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Specifically, in order to collect SSDI, you must have earned work credits from previous employment, and now show that you can no longer perform a job. For people with lupus, in many cases, the disease must affect at least two parts of your body, such as your skin, brain, heart, kidneys and/or lungs.
In order to obtain benefits, you may have to provide the Social Security Administration with medical evidence of your disability. For lupus victims, this evidence may include documentation of rashes, ulcers and/or renal disorder. If you have questions about this process, you can visit our Social Security FAQ page.
If you have additional questions about benefit eligibility, you can contact our office by calling the number listed above or using the form located on the side of this page.
Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security disability lawyers
