Sarcoidosis and Social Security Disability

Sarcoidosis can be a very debilitating and painful condition. While each case of Sarcoidosis is different, some of the individuals who suffer from the condition often find it impossible to work due to the symptoms caused by Sarcoidosis. The inability to earn a substantial gainful income can result in serious financial hardship for the disabled individual, which is only compounded by medical bills incurred due to the condition. In some cases, Social Security Disability benefits can offset the financial burden caused by Sarcoidosis. If you are suffering from Sarcoidosis and are wondering if you may qualify for disability benefits, there are a few things you need to know. It is important to understand how your Sarcoidosis condition affects your eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits. The following information can help you with your Sarcoidosis Social Security Disability claim.

Sarcoidosis - Condition and Symptoms

Sarcoidosis is an auto-immune disease that causes swelling of the lymph nodes, liver, eyes, lungs, skin and other body tissues and organs. The exact symptoms of Sarcoidosis will vary from case to case, depending on which part of the body the Sarcoidosis is affecting. Those who suffer from Sarcoidosis in the lungs will often experience a dry cough, shortness of breath, discomfort behind the breast bone and abnormal breathing sounds. Individuals who suffer from Sarcoidosis of the skin will often experience rashes, raised scars, sores, lesions and hair loss. Those who suffer from Sarcoidosis of the nervous system frequently experience headaches, facial palsy, seizures, burning and itching of the eyes and dry eye. General symptoms of the condition include dry mouth, nose bleeds, fatigue, fever, weight loss and joint pain.

In order to diagnose a Sarcoidosis condition, your doctor may order a variety of tests. These tests may include chest x-rays, CT scans, lung gallium scans and a variety of blood work panels. Biopsies may also be ordered to diagnose a Sarcoidosis condition.

While many cases of Sarcoidosis get better on their own without treatment, there is no actual cure for the condition. For patients whose Sarcoidosis condition does not improve, treatment for the symptoms of Sarcoidosis are available. These treatments include corticosteroid treatment, medications that suppress the immune system and, in severe cases, organ transplants. While these treatments can address the symptoms of Sarcoidosis, they can not address the underlying cause and there is currently no long-term treatment that is able to prevent Sarcoidosis from getting worse over time.

In severe cases of Sarcoidosis, the condition can interfere with an individual's ability to work. Because of this, many of the individuals who suffer from Sarcoidosis consider applying for Social Security Disability benefits to help offset the financial burden caused by the condition.

Filing for Social Security Disability with Sarcoidosis

The Social Security Administration's listing of impairments does not include a specific entry for Sarcoidosis. That does not mean, however, that you can not receive Social Security Disability benefits if you are unable to work due to Sarcoidosis. If the condition is causing a long-term or permanent disability, it is still possible to obtain disability benefits if you can prove this disability to the SSA.

In order to obtain Social Security Disability benefits for Sarcoidosis you will need to prove, beyond a doubt, that your condition is preventing you from performing substantial gainful work activity and that the disability will last for a minimum of twelve months. Make sure that you discuss the limitations the Sarcoidosis is causing when you visit your doctor. You will want any and all limitations recorded in your medical records in order to provide the SSA with the evidence they need to approve your Social Security Disability claim. Also include all of your lab work and test results with your application when applying for disability benefits.

Sarcoidosis and Your Social Security Disability Case

The chances of your application for disability benefits being approved at the initial stage of the Social Security Disability application process are very slim when filing a claim based on the Sarcoidosis condition. Overall, the SSA only approves approximately 30 percent of Social Security Disability applications including applications for conditions that are actually listed in the SSA's listing of impairments.

If your initial application for Social Security Disability benefits is denied, you will need to file an appeal within 60 days of receiving the determination letter from the Social Security office. The first stage of the appeal process will usually include a request for reconsideration. These appeals, however, are rarely successful.

If your request for reconsideration is denied (and most are), the next step of the appeal process is the Social Security Disability hearing. The good news is that approximately two-thirds of appeals are won at the hearing stage of the appeal process. In order to increase your chances of a successful appeal, you may wish to hire a disability attorney or advocate to represent you in your disability claim due to Sarcoidosis.

Social Security Disability for Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you suffer from a moderate to severe case of rheumatoid arthritis, you may be eligible to receive Social Security disability. In order to qualify for disability benefits you have had to work enough to earn sufficient credits and to pay enough in taxes to the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA oversees Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is a program that provides a monthly benefit check to those who are unable to work because of a medical condition or an injury.

Kidney Failure and Social Security Disability

In the United States, there are about 661,000 Americans living with kidney failure, and as many as 26 million are estimated to have kidney disease, though many don't know it, the National Kidney Foundation reported. Kidney failure, or end stage renal disease (ESRD) is a permanent condition that can happen either suddenly (acute) or after being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) for a long time.

Interstitial Cystitis and Social Security Disability

Interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome, is a complicated condition that can lead to very painful and life-altering symptoms. Individuals who suffer from interstitial cystitis may find it hard to go out in public at times, let alone perform the functions necessary to maintain gainful employment. If your interstitial cystitis condition has prevented you from being able to work and you are suffering financially because of it, Social Security Disability benefits may be able to offset some of your financial burdens. If you have interstitial cystitis and are wondering how your condition qualifies you for disability benefits, the following information can help you understand how the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews interstitial cystitis and how the condition impacts your Social Security Disability claim.

Interstitial Cystitis - Condition and Symptoms

Approximately 1.3 million Americans suffer from interstitial cystitis, with more than 1 million of those individuals being women. Interstitial cystitis is a complicated medical condition that involves recurring pain in the bladder and pelvic area. The severity of symptoms can vary drastically from case to case. Some interstitial cystitis patients will experience mild discomfort and pressure. Others will suffer from intense, excruciating pain.

Even those who suffer from severe interstitial cystitis will experience varying symptoms as the pain and discomfort is not consistent. The pain can increase as the bladder fills with urine and will decrease when the bladder empties. Oftentimes women who suffer from the condition will experience increased symptoms during menstruation.

In severe cases, people suffering from interstitial cystitis will experience scarring of the bladder wall, pinpoint bleeding or Hunner's ulcers. In some cases, an individual's bladder will lose the ability to hold large volumes of urine, which increases the person's need to urinate frequently. Some of the individuals who suffer from interstitial cystitis may need to urinate as frequently as 60 times a day.

The causes of interstitial cystitis are unknown and, as of yet, there is no specific test to determine the condition. Instead, your doctor will rule out other conditions prior to diagnosing you with interstitial cystitis. The symptoms of interstitial cystitis are similar to the symptoms of a bacterial infection. If a urine culture is performed and an individual does not respond to antibiotic therapy, interstitial cystitis may be diagnosed.

Severe cases of interstitial cystitis can be excruciatingly painful. Because the symptoms of interstitial cystitis may interfere with an individual's ability to work, you may want to consider filing for Social Security Disability benefits if you have been diagnosed with the disease.

Filing for Social Security Disability with Interstitial Cystitis

Being approved for Social Security Disability benefits due to a case of interstitial cystitis can be difficult, but it is not impossible. The SSA does not have a listing for interstitial cystitis in its listing of impairments. That does not mean, however, that you can not qualify for disability benefits if you can prove that your medical condition prevents you from being able to perform gainful work activity.

In order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits due to interstitial cystitis you will need to have medical evidence proving that your disability is preventing you from earning a substantial gainful income and that you will be disabled for a minimum of twelve months. When visiting your doctor for your condition, it is important to discuss how your case of interstitial cystitis is preventing you from performing normal daily activities. Having this information documented in your medical records will help your Social Security Disability claim.

If enough medical evidence is not provided with your Social Security Disability application, you may be asked to undergo a consultative exam. It is important to understand that this exam in and of itself will usually not provide enough evidence to have your application approved. Statements from your treating physicians and accurate medical records will do more for your disability claim than the results of your consultative exam.

Interstitial Cystitis and Your Social Security Disability Case

Severe cases of interstitial cystitis can make it nearly impossible for an individual to hold a job. It is important to remember, however, that obtaining disability benefits due to a case of interstitial cystitis can be difficult.

The SSA receives more than two-million disability applications each year. Of these, only 30 percent are approved at the initial stage of the application process. Hiring a disability attorney to represent you in your Social Security Disability claim may increase your chances of having your application approved at the initial stage of the application process.

If your claim for disability benefits is denied at the initial stage of the application process, hiring a disability attorney to represent you during your appeal can increase your chances of winning your Social Security Disability appeal and receiving benefits.

Crohn’s Disease and Social Security Disability

Crohn’s Disease affects more than 500,000 people in the United States alone. The condition can cause painful and debilitating symptoms. While the symptoms can be treated, there is no cure for Crohn’s Disease and the condition may become worse over time. Because of this, many of the people who suffer from Crohn’s Disease are unable to work. The lack of income resulting from this fact can be financially devastating. In some cases, Social Security Disability benefits may be able to help.

Understanding Social Security Disability Advocates

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There are thousands of Social Security Disability advocates across the United States. What exactly is a Social Security Disability advocate? What do these individuals do? What is the difference between a Social Security Disability advocate and a Social Security Disability attorney? Most importantly, should you use the services of a Social Security Disability advocate to help you with your Social Security Disability claim? Before you consider hiring a Social Security Disability advocate there are some things you need to know...

Reflex Sympathetic Disorder and Social Security Disability

Reflex Sympathetic Disorder (also referred to as RSD, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) is a disorder that affects the central nervous system of the body. The intense pain associated with this condition can make it impossible to perform normal day-to-day activities, let alone hold down a full-time job. Because of this, many of the people who suffer from the condition wonder whether or not they might qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.

Can you Work and Receive Social Security Disability Benefits?

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The Social Security Administration sets a limit on how much a Social Security Disability benefits recipient or a disability benefits applicant can earn without jeopardizing their eligibility for benefits. This limit is placed on your gross monthly earnings and affects not only your initial application, but also your continuing eligibility to receive benefits once your disability application is approved.

Social Security Disability: The Appeals Council Stage

When people ask how long it will take for a Social Security Disability application to be processed, they are usually given an answer of 90 to 120 days. Unfortunately, this time frame is often a matter of wishful thinking. If your application is approved in the initial stage of the application process, then yes, it may take just a few short months before you are approved for disability benefits.