Scleroderma

Scleroderma and Social Security Disability Benefits

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that specifically targets connective tissue. The affected areas can include the skin, heart, esophagus, kidneys, and lungs. Skin hardening, joint pain, wheezing, and digestive issues are all symptoms associated with scleroderma. A build up of collagen in the skin and body is common amongst individuals who are diagnosed with scleroderma.

The effect scleroderma has on the skin can limit the mobility in the legs and arms, so anyone who is suffering from this illness has many disabilities.

Scleroderma and Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits

If the applicant’s impairment falls within any of the following categories set forth by Social Security’s Listing 14.04, then a strong claim may exist. The Listing is as follows;

1. Involvement of two or more organs/body systems with:
   1. One of the organs/body systems involved to at least a moderate level of severity; and
   2. At least two of the constitutional symptoms or signs (severe fatigue, fever, malaise, or involuntary weight loss);OR

1. With one of the following:
   1. Toe contractures or fixed deformity in one or both feet, resulting in the inability to ambulate effectively as defined in 14.00C6; or
   2. Finger contractures or fixed deformity in both hands, resulting in the inability to perform fine and gross movements effectively as defined in 14.00C7; or
   3. Atrophy with irreversible damage in one or both lower extremities, resulting in the inability to ambulate effectively as defined in 14.00C6; or
   4. Atrophy with irreversible damage in both upper extremities, resulting in the inability to perform fine and gross movements effectively as defined in 14.00C7 OR

1. Raynaud’s phenomenon characterized by:
   1. Gangrene involving at least two extremities; or
   2. Ischemia with ulcerations of toes or fingers, resulting in the inability to ambulate effectively or perform fine and gross movements effectively as define in 14.00C6 and 14.00C7. OR

1. Repeated manifestations of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)with at least two of the constitutional symptoms or signs (severe fatigue, fever, malaise, or involuntary weight loss) and one of the following at the marked level:
   1. Limitation of activities of daily living
   2. Limitation in maintain social function
   3. Limitation in completing tasks in a timely manner due to deficiencies in concentration, persistence, or pace.

The disability caused by scleroderma can incapacitate a person. Jobs involving walking/standing or use of the hands are limited. If you have any questions concerning your eligibility, please contact us at 1-800-882-5500 or submit an application for a free claim evaluation.