Disability Due to Immune System Disorders

Immune disorders cause dysfunction in one or more components of your system. These can affect the person to such an extent that they lose the ability to function normally at work. People with conditions of this type could qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

Disorders evaluated to determine disability

Immune dysfunction may be due to problems in antibody production, impaired cell-mediated immunity, a combined type of antibody/cellular deficiency, impaired phagocytosis, or complement deficiency. There are a whole range of medical conditions that can be evaluated to apply for disability under this category. Among the most common are:

• Epstein-Barr virus
• Guillain Barre Syndrome
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
• Lupus
• Multiple Sclerosis

Immune system disorders can lead to recurring and unusual infections, or inflammation and dysfunction of the body's own tissues. Immune system disorders can cause a deficit in a single organ or system in the body resulting in extreme loss of function. They can also cause minor degrees of limitations in two or more organs or body systems, and when associated with symptoms or signs, such as severe fatigue, fever, malaise, diffuse musculoskeletal pain, or unintentional weight loss, they can also result in extreme limitation.

Discussions of immune system disorders are organized into three categories: autoimmune disorders; immunodeficiency disorders, excluding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection; and HIV infection.

Autoimmune disorders are caused by dysfunctional immune responses directed against the body's own tissues, resulting in chronic multisystem deficiencies that differ in clinical manifestations, course, and outcome. They are sometimes called rheumatic diseases, connective tissue disorders, or collagen vascular disorders. Some of the characteristics of autoimmune disorders in adults differ from the characteristics of the same disorders in children.

Immunodeficiency disorders are characterized by recurrent or unusual infections that respond poorly to treatment and are often associated with complications affecting other parts of the body. Immunodeficiency disorders are classified as primary (congenital) or acquired. People with immunodeficiency disorders also have an increased risk of malignancy and having autoimmune disorders.

HIV infection may be characterized by increased susceptibility to common infections, as well as opportunistic infections, cancers, or other conditions.

How to apply for Social Security Disability benefits

The Social Security Administration evaluates each case individually. If you have a severe immunological condition, you should consult with our attorneys to see if you qualify for disability benefits. You need to have a medical record with diagnosis and treatment for that condition and show that it affects or prevents you from working normally. We can guide and accompany you throughout the entire process, even after obtaining disability benefits.

It is important that you consult with one of our experienced attorneys about your medical case. If you are disabled because of an immune disorder, you are probably a good candidate for Social Security disability benefits.

The consultation is free and confidential. We do not charge anything until your case is approved.