Achieving Disability For Sjögren’s Syndrome

Living with Sjögren’s syndrome is like waging a silent war against your own body. Each day brings new challenges, from the constant discomfort of dry eyes and mouth to the overwhelming fatigue.

For many, the journey of Sjögren’s is one of invisible suffering and prevents a person from working. This could lead to the process of securing disability benefits.

Let our disability lawyers walk you through the details of Sjögren’s. Learn how you or a loved one who is suffering from this condition can apply for benefits.

What Is Sjögren’s Syndrome?

Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily targets the body’s moisture-producing glands. In this condition, the immune system, which normally protects the body from harmful invaders, mistakenly attacks these glands. Over time, this leads to a significant reduction in a person’s ability to work or perform daily activities.

However, Sjögren’s is not limited to just these areas. It can have far-reaching effects throughout the body, influencing:

• Joints
• Kidneys
• Gastrointestinal system
• Blood vessels
• Lungs
• Liver
• Pancreas
• Central nervous system

This widespread impact underscores the complexity of Sjögren’s. It also highlights why it can be so challenging to manage and live with this condition daily.

Symptoms of Sjögren’s Syndrome

The symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome can vary widely from person to person, both in type and severity. Some of the most common symptoms include:

1. Dry Eyes: This can lead to a gritty or burning sensation, light sensitivity, and blurred vision.
2. Dry Mouth: Also known as xerostomia, this can cause difficulty speaking and swallowing. This can increase the risk of dental problems.
3. Joint Pain and Stiffness: Similar to rheumatoid arthritis, many people with Sjögren’s experience joint discomfort that can limit mobility.
4. Skin Issues: Dry skin and rashes are common, sometimes accompanied by a heightened sensitivity to sunlight.
5. Persistent Dry Cough: This can be particularly troublesome and may be mistaken for other respiratory conditions.
6. Fatigue: Often described as overwhelming and debilitating, this fatigue can significantly impair daily functioning.
7. Constitutional Symptoms: These may include fever, involuntary weight loss, and a general feeling of malaise.

In some cases, Sjögren’s can lead to more severe complications:

• Vital Organ Involvement: The lungs, liver, and kidneys may be affected, leading to more serious health issues.
• Nerve Function Abnormalities: This can result in numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the extremities.
• Increased Risk of Lymphoma: People with Sjögren’s have a higher risk of developing this type of cancer.

The variability and potential severity of these symptoms can make Sjögren’s syndrome particularly challenging to diagnose and manage effectively.

How Is Sjögren’s A Disability?

Sjögren’s syndrome can significantly impact an individual’s ability to work and perform daily activities. Here’s how Sjögren’s can be disabling:

1. Visual Impairment
   1. Severe dry eyes can lead to corneal damage and reduced visual acuity. This can make tasks requiring visual focus, such as reading or computer work, extremely difficult or impossible.
2. Communication Difficulties
   1. A dry mouth can affect speech clarity and make prolonged talking painful.
3. Fatigue
   1. Sjögren’s can cause fatigue and exhaustion. This severely limits a person’s ability to maintain consistent work hours or complete tasks promptly.
4. Joint Pain and Mobility Issues
   1. These symptoms can restrict physical activities and make it challenging to perform jobs requiring manual dexterity or prolonged standing.
5. Cognitive Function
   1. Some people with Sjögren’s experience “brain fog,” affecting concentration and memory, which can impact job performance across various fields.
6. Recurring Infections
   1. Due to the dry mouth, dental and oral infections are more common, potentially leading to frequent absences from work.
7. Organ Involvement
   1. When Sjögren’s affects major organs, it can lead to serious health complications. This will likely require extensive medical care and time off work.
8. Mental Health Impact
   1. Living with a chronic condition can lead to anxiety and depression, further impacting work performance and social functioning.

These factors can severely limit a person’s ability to maintain steady employment. If this is the case, then the next step is to contact a lawyer to see if you qualify for disability benefits.

What Evidence Is Needed To Achieve Disability for Sjögren’s Syndrome?

Securing disability benefits for Sjögren’s syndrome requires comprehensive documentation. Here’s what you need to gather:

1. Medical Records:
   • Diagnosis confirmed by a rheumatologist
   • Detailed reports of symptoms and their progression
   • Records of all treatments attempted and their outcomes
   • Lab test results, including blood work and antibody tests
   • Results of any biopsies (e.g., lip biopsy)
   • Imaging studies that support the diagnosis
2. Physician Statements:
   • Detailed descriptions of how Sjögren’s affects your daily functioning
   • Specific limitations in completing tasks related to work
   • Prognosis and expected duration of disability
3. Personal Statement:
   • A detailed account of how Sjögren’s impacts your daily life
   • Specific examples of tasks you struggle with or can no longer perform
   • How your condition has affected your work and social life
4. Work History:
   • Comprehensive list of past jobs
   • Description of job duties you can no longer perform due to Sjögren’s
5. Third-Party Statements:
   • Statements from colleagues, supervisors, or family members describing observed changes in your capabilities
6. Treatment History:
   • List of all medications and therapies tried
   • Documentation of side effects and their impact on daily life
7. Functional Capacity Evaluation:
   • Professional assessment of your physical and cognitive abilities

Remember, the Social Security Administration (SSA) looks for evidence of repeated manifestations of Sjögren’s. The symptoms of this condition should make it hard to do daily activities, interact with others, or finish tasks on time.

How A Disability Attorney Can Help Your Claim

Navigating the disability claims process for Sjögren’s syndrome can be complex and overwhelming. A disability attorney can provide valuable assistance in several ways:

1. Case Evaluation
   1. They can assess the strength of your claim and identify any areas that need additional support.
2. Evidence Gathering
   1. An attorney can help ensure you have all necessary medical records and documentation to support your claim.
3. Application Preparation
   1. They can assist in completing the disability application accurately and comprehensively.
4. Communication with SSA
   1. An attorney can handle all communications with the Social Security Administration on your behalf.
5. Appeals Process
   1. If your claim is denied, a disability attorney can help you appeal, including representing you at hearings.
6. Understanding SSA Criteria
   1. Disability attorneys familiar with Sjögren’s cases understand how to present your condition. These lawyers will make sure your application or appeal aligns with the SSA’s disability criteria.
7. Stress Reduction
   1. By handling the legal aspects of your claim, an attorney allows you to focus on your health and well-being.

Schedule A Consultation With Miller Disability Law

Living with Sjögren’s syndrome presents numerous challenges, and seeking disability benefits shouldn’t add to your burden. Miller Disability Law is committed to helping individuals with Sjögren’s navigate the complex disability claims process.

Our team understands the unique challenges posed by autoimmune disorders like Sjögren’s syndrome. We can:

• Evaluate your case and explain your eligibility for disability benefits
• Guide you through gathering the necessary medical evidence
• Prepare and submit a comprehensive disability application
• Represent you in appeals and hearings if necessary
• Provide ongoing support throughout the process

Don’t let the complexities of the application or appeals process overwhelm you. Contact Miller Disability Law today to schedule a consultation. Together, we can work towards securing the support you need. Maintain your quality of life while living with Sjögren’s syndrome.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. With the right support and guidance, it’s possible to navigate the challenges of Sjögren’s. Take the first step towards reclaiming your life with disability benefits. Reach out to Miller Disability Law  and schedule a consultation by calling (708) 656-9900.