Lupus Disability: Social Security Disability Claims for Autoimmune Disorders

Navigating Life with an Autoimmune Condition

Your immune system is designed to protect your body from infection and disease. But with an autoimmune disorder, this complex defense system misfires—attacking healthy cells and tissues as if they were harmful invaders. These attacks can lead to chronic pain, inflammation, and serious organ damage that disrupt daily functioning and long-term health.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is one of the most common and severe autoimmune diseases. Lupus can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart, and other vital organs. Symptoms such as extreme fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and organ dysfunction can make it incredibly difficult to maintain employment or perform basic day-to-day activities.

Autoimmune Disorders and Their Impact

Autoimmune conditions vary widely in presentation and severity. Common autoimmune diseases include:

• Type 1 Diabetes – Immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – Causes painful joint inflammation and stiffness

• Psoriasis/Psoriatic Arthritis – Leads to rapid skin cell buildup and inflamed, scaly patches

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – Damages nerve insulation, slowing communication between brain and body

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) – Affects multiple organ systems; often chronic and disabling

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease – Includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis

• Graves’ Disease – Triggers overproduction of thyroid hormones

• Sjögren’s Syndrome – Attacks glands that produce saliva and tears

Symptoms like fatigue, swelling, brain fog, or mobility issues can come and go, often making diagnosis and treatment complicated. Many autoimmune disorders also involve "flare-ups," where symptoms intensify temporarily and unpredictably.

Proving Your Disability to the SSA

Despite the serious nature of these conditions, autoimmune disability claims are often misunderstood or wrongly denied by the Social Security Administration (SSA). At Binder & Binder®, we’ve represented thousands of clients with autoimmune disorders. We focus on documenting how your specific symptoms prevent you from completing an 8-hour workday or engaging in sustained employment.

To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, your condition must:

• Be medically determinable with clinical or laboratory evidence

• Prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity

• Be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death

We work closely with your treating physicians to ensure the medical evidence clearly explains the limitations your condition places on your ability to work and perform everyday tasks.

How Binder & Binder® Can Help

If an autoimmune disorder like lupus has made it difficult or impossible to continue working, Binder & Binder® is here to help. We’ll deal with the government and guide your case every step of the way—from initial filing to appeals—so you can focus on your health and quality of life.

Call 1-800-4-BINDER or complete the contact form below to learn how we can help win your claim.

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Case Study: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Younger Individuals

At just 39 years old, Ms. Doe became disabled due to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Despite extensive medical documentation and a clear diagnosis, she was denied benefits twice before appearing in front of a judge. Lupus remains a frequently misunderstood condition—even among favorable decision-makers.

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